Who owns the patient records from dental treatment?

The ownership of patient records in dental treatment typically resides with the dentist. This is rooted in the understanding that the dental practice generates and maintains these records as part of providing care. The records are considered the property of the practice because they are created as a result of the dentist's professional services and are maintained under the dentist's supervision.

However, it's essential to clarify that while the dentist owns the records, patients have a legal right to access their health information under various regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This means that patients can request copies of their records, and dentists are required to comply with these requests within specific timeframes.

Ownership by the dentist facilitates the maintenance of detailed and accurate records, which are vital for ongoing care, legal protections, and continuity. It also emphasizes the responsibility of the dentist to manage patient information ethically and responsibly. Thus, the correct answer reflects the standard legal understanding of records ownership within the framework of dental practice.