What should you advise a patient who wants to transfer her dental chart for continued care?

Advising a patient who wishes to transfer her dental chart for continued care involves ensuring a thorough understanding of her dental history and current condition. Scheduling a comprehensive exam at your office is an important step in this process because it allows you to assess the patient’s dental health, review any pertinent information from her previous records, and determine the best course of action for her treatment moving forward.

When a patient transfers care, it's crucial to have a complete understanding of their dental history, including previous treatments, existing conditions, and any ongoing issues. A comprehensive exam provides an opportunity to evaluate the patient in person, discuss any concerns they may have, and establish a rapport. This approach not only fosters trust but also ensures that the appropriate treatments are based on current clinical findings rather than solely relying on prior records.

Moving forward with a new treatment plan immediately or transferring care without further evaluation risks overlooking critical information that could affect the patient’s health. While contacting the previous dentist for details is an important part of the process, it is not sufficient on its own. Comprehensive evaluation at your office ensures that the patient receives personalized and effective care tailored to their needs.