The records are yours

Your clinical notes and X-rays are held by the practice, but you are entitled to have them transferred to another dentist. You do not need to explain why you are leaving, and you do not need to have a difficult conversation about it.

In practice it takes one signature. Tell us who you were seeing and we request them.

Why bother

Two reasons, and both are about money.

The first is X-rays. Recent radiographs mean we may not need to take new ones on day one. The second is history — knowing a tooth has been watched for three years and has not changed is completely different from seeing it cold for the first time. Without that, everything looks new, and more gets investigated than needs to be.

What transfers

Clinical notes, radiographs, photographs, and any treatment plans in progress. Not appointment reminders or account history — those stay where they are.

If a previous practice has closed, records are usually still held somewhere under retention rules. Tell us the name and we will chase it.

You do not have to decide first

Plenty of people come for one examination to get a second opinion, keep their records where they are, and decide afterwards. That is a perfectly reasonable thing to do and we are not offended by it.

If you are ready

Book a new patient appointment and mention the previous practice at reception. See new patients.