Your Dentist and You - Two Questions Not Often Asked by Patients

You see your dentist on a regular basis for dental maintenance and care. This includes check-ups, cleanings, x-rays and dental treatments. There are certain questions you have no problem asking of your dental provider but other questions you want to ask but have a difficult time finding the words for because you feel a little strange and uncomfortable asking them. We will ask those questions here and provide corresponding answers.

Question number one is- May I have access to my dental records?

When you see the dentist holding your file are you curious to see what is in it? Do you want to glance over your chart but do not want to admit that fact to your dentist? If yes then you are not alone. Lots of patients would love the opportunity to see what has been written about them in their files.

But the question is- do you have the right to do so? Yes, you do. The information that is contained in your file should be made available for you to look at if you wish. The HIPAA Privacy Rule determines how you as a patient are permitted to use the information in your dental chart.

You are allowed to request to read over your chart and if you want to have a copy made to keep with your own records. If you feel that there are errors are in your file then you can request that corrections be made.

If you are not entirely sure in what manner your personal information is used then you can request to find out how it is used and if it is shared in any way. You have the right under the law to decide whether you wish your personal health information to be shared with various agencies for the purposes of marketing or whether you wish it to be kept private and not shared with anyone. If you discover that your information was shared then you can ask that your dentist provide you with a written explanation of who it was shared with and why.

Question number two is- Am I allowed to ask for a second opinion if I am not sure about the recommendations of my dental practitioner?

You may have been seeing the same dentist for many years and have a very good working relationship with him. But then you come in for a check-up one day and are not pleased with the recommendations he gives you for treatments that he feels you need. If you are not comfortable or at ease with a diagnosis or treatment options given by your dental practitioner then it is your right as a patient to choose to get another professional opinion. You also have the right to say no to any treatment recommendations that you do not want to go forward with. As long as you are of sound mind and are capable of making your own decisions these options are indeed available to you and within your power. Be aware though that the dental provider that you visit for a second opinion will need to do a complete and thorough examination of your mouth in order to be able to give you a second opinion that you can be satisfied with.