Dental records are easy to overlook during a move. If you are changing dentists, copies of your records can help the new team understand past treatment, areas being monitored, and images already taken.
You can request your records before your first appointment in Longmont. Contact your former dental office to find out how to obtain copies or have them sent to your new dentist.
How do you transfer dental records to a new dentist?
Ask your former office about its records request process. Let the team know you have moved and would like copies for continuing care, including available dental X-rays. The office can explain what paperwork it needs and how it sends records.
You can request copies for yourself or ask about sending them to your new dental office. Confirm the recipient and delivery method before the records are sent. If you have not chosen a practice yet, Twin Peaks Dentistry’s guide to what to look for in a family dentist in Longmont can help you consider communication, convenience, and continuity of care.
When making the request, consider including:
- Recent examination findings and treatment notes
- Completed or recommended treatment
- Available dental X-rays and other relevant images
- Details of areas being monitored
You can also request a complete copy rather than deciding which individual records might matter. Ask whether the former office needs a signed form and whether a copying fee applies.
Request the records early if you already have an appointment scheduled. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ guidance on accessing health records says a covered provider normally has up to 30 days to provide a copy, although records may be available sooner. Its guidance also states that an unpaid care bill does not remove a patient’s right to access records; a reasonable fee for the copy may still apply.
Why do previous records matter when you move to Longmont?
Your new dentist will examine you and assess your current needs. Previous records provide context, such as when a crown was placed, which tooth received treatment, or whether an area was being monitored.
Tell the new team about anything that has changed since those records were created. Mention new pain, unfinished recommended treatment, or dental work completed at another practice. Your records describe past care, while your account helps explain what is happening now.
Previous X-rays may be useful, but your dentist may still recommend new images after reviewing your history, current symptoms, and examination findings. If you are unsure why new images are needed, ask what the dentist hopes to assess with them.
Records are also a starting point for a conversation. At a first visit, you can ask how the team explains its findings and recommendations. Twin Peaks Dentistry’s article on evaluating a new dental practice during your visit offers questions to consider as you establish care.
Patients considering Twin Peaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can review its new patient information and forms. Ask the office how it prefers to receive dental records before directing your former practice to send them.
What if your old dental office has closed or your records have not arrived?
Check your former practice’s website, appointment emails, or voicemail for updated contact details. If the practice has moved or closed and you cannot locate your records, tell your new dental office what you have tried.
You can still describe past treatment and current symptoms while waiting for records. Share approximate dates if you remember them, and make clear when a detail is your best estimate. Tell the new office about any current concern when booking so it can advise you about the appointment.
If you have a new toothache or suspect decay, do not assume the missing records will explain the symptom. Twin Peaks Dentistry’s article on what to do if you think you may have a cavity provides background, but a dentist will need to assess the tooth. Mention the symptom when you contact the office.
If you have already requested the records, follow up with the former practice to confirm that it received your request and has the correct delivery details. Check with the receiving office before asking for another copy.
To prepare for care in Longmont, request your records early, confirm where they should go, and tell your new dentist what has changed since your last visit. When you are ready, request a first appointment to discuss your dental history and current concerns with Twin Peaks Dentistry. Ask the team how your former office should send the records.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request my own copy of dental records?
Yes. Ask your former office for a copy, including available X-rays and other relevant images.
Should records go to me or my new dentist?
Either may be possible. Confirm the preferred delivery method with both offices and complete any required paperwork.
Can I see a new dentist before the records arrive?
Tell the new office about the delay and any current symptoms when booking. The dentist can assess your current needs and explain whether the missing records would help with the next steps.
Ready to Return to Dental Care?
Patients who have been away from the dentist for years can start by sharing their concerns and current symptoms. Returning to dental care starts with one appointment. Patients ready to resume care can request an appointment with Twin Peaks Dentistry and describe the concern they want to address first.
Check out our youtube videos for more information. Also patients can view Twin Peaks Dentistry’s Google Business Profile for reviews, office hours, and location details.