For how long should patient records be retained after a patient’s last appointment?

Patient records should be retained for a minimum of 5 years after a patient's last appointment to ensure compliance with California law. This requirement is set forth in regulations that mandate healthcare providers, including dental professionals, to maintain records for a specified period. The rationale behind this duration is to allow adequate time for any potential legal claims to arise, as well as to facilitate continuity of care in case the patient returns for future treatment or requests their records for any reason. Retaining records for 5 years also aligns with best practices in healthcare management, ensuring that practitioners have access to necessary medical history, treatment details, and any pertinent information that could influence future dental care.

Keeping records for longer than the mandated time may benefit the provider and the patient in certain cases; however, the 5-year requirement is specifically established by the California Business and Professions Code, making it a critical guideline for dental practices.