Who qualifies as a patient of record?

A patient of record is specifically defined as an individual who has been accepted for dental care after undergoing a comprehensive examination. This process establishes a formal patient-practitioner relationship, which is essential for providing appropriate dental hygiene services. The examination allows the dental professional to gather detailed information about the patient's oral health status, enabling informed decisions regarding their treatment plan.

This definition excludes individuals who may not have a comprehensive evaluation as part of their records. For instance, someone without a medical history or who has never seen a dentist may not have an established baseline or documented care needs to fall within the definition of a patient of record. Similarly, while an individual who has received dental care from any provider may have had some level of treatment, it does not necessarily imply they are officially recorded as a patient in the context of a specific dental practice unless they have been examined and accepted by that practice. This distinction is crucial for ensuring that proper protocols are followed in providing care and maintaining accurate patient records.