For how long must adult dental records be maintained?

For how long must adult dental records be maintained?

• A. 3 years
• B. 5 years
• C. 6 years
• D. 8 years

Answer: (C)

Adult dental records in Iowa must be maintained for a minimum of six years from the date of the last appointment. This requirement ensures that records are accessible for a reasonable period for both patient care continuity and legal purposes, such as potential malpractice claims. The six-year retention period is aligned with the state’s regulations, which aim to balance the need for access to patient information with the practicalities of storage and resource management in a dental practice. Maintaining records for this duration supports both the ethical responsibility of dental hygienists and the legal obligations they must adhere to within their professional practice.

Adult dental records in Iowa must be maintained for a minimum of six years from the date of the last appointment. This requirement ensures that records are accessible for a reasonable period for both patient care continuity and legal purposes, such as potential malpractice claims.

The six-year retention period is aligned with the state’s regulations, which aim to balance the need for access to patient information with the practicalities of storage and resource management in a dental practice. Maintaining records for this duration supports both the ethical responsibility of dental hygienists and the legal obligations they must adhere to within their professional practice.