Dental records belong to the practice where they are or were created. However, it is recognised in law that patients are entitled to access to their health information.

When seeking to obtain copies of your dental records the following applies:

The request should be made in writing to the dentist or the practice that holds the records. The written request should clearly state:

• Your name, date of birth and address; 
• That you wish to access or obtain copies of your records;  
• Which records are being requested (e.g. treatment notes, x-rays, etc); 
• How you would like to receive them (digital or hard copy/ pick up in person or post or email); and
• If you would like the records sent to a third party (e.g. another dentist or health professional) you would also need to provide full details of the third party. 

Before providing the records the dentist or practice must verify that the request is genuine and that patient privacy and confidentiality is protected against unauthorised access. For example, if you request your records be received by email and the email address you provide is different to the email address held by the practice, then additional steps may be required prior to the release of the records. Your dentist or the dental practice will be able to advise you of the specific steps required.

When providing the records, the dentist may request a meeting during which time they can also explain the records. Depending on your circumstances you may wish to meet with the dentist. This is entirely based on your situation and preference. 

It is not unreasonable for a fee to be charged for copying and providing the records. If you are concerned about the application of a fee you should discuss your concerns with the practice at the time you make your application.

Once a valid written request for records is received, a practice is entitled to 45 days, by legislation to provide copies of the records. Most practices however do provide these records well within this timeframe.

Often there is more than one treatment solution for a clinical concern or diagnosis and as a result a dentist might provide you with a number of “treatment options”.

In discussing treatment options, a dentist will normally explain what those options are. 

A dentist might make a recommendation but ultimately it is up to each individual patient to decide what treatment is right for them taking into account their personal preferences, circumstances, lifestyle and budget. 

If you are unsure about your options you should discuss your concerns openly with your dentist. If there is ongoing uncertainty, it is always recommended that you seek a second opinion. Your dentist could suggest or arrange a referral to another dentist or dental specialist.

If a course of treatment has been recommended and you are unsure whether it is the best option for you, you should consider a second opinion from another dentist or a dental specialist. Your dentist should be happy to provide a referral. 

In some cases, a referral may be recommended by your dentist to ensure you obtain the best available opinion. 

Referrals are a topic you can and should discuss with your treating practitioner.

There can be many reasons why a patient may have difficulties after treatment. ADA NSW recommends that you raise your concerns with the treating dentist in the first instance. If your concerns are of a clinical nature, the dentist may wish to re-examine you in order to evaluate the condition. This is often essential to determine what the problem may be and should not be a cause for concern. If the situation is complex, your dentist may wish to refer you for a second opinion to a specialist.

If you are unsure of the advice provided, you can also request a second opinion from another dentist about your condition.

If you are keen on a particular treatment and that treatment is not included as part of your treatment options, it is important to discuss this with you dentist in order to understand why it is/is not included. 

Ultimately a health practitioner cannot be compelled to provide treatment that they consider inappropriate or not in your best health interest or that they are not trained and have sufficient experience to provide. If you feel that a type of treatment might be suitable for you but is not being offered by a particular practitioner, then you might choose to obtain a second opinion from another practitioner.

Unfortunately, we cannot assist. ADA NSW is a member organisation and is not a regulatory or complaints body and has no authority to investigate or make judgements on complaints related to health care. To make a complaint, visit the Dental Council of NSW.

Fees in dentistry are generally not covered by Medicare and are not set by an external body. As a consequence each dentist is responsible for setting their own fees. Sometimes instead of an exact fee you may be quoted a range with an upper and lower cost limit. This can occur where it is difficult to predict the outcome and could be for any number of reasons. If the situation of your treatment changes mid treatment, ask your dentist if there is a change to the predicted cost.

Before embarking on treatment, you should ensure you are informed on the cost of care, and that you are happy to proceed with the treatment as quoted. If affordability is a concern, some dentists may be able to make special arrangements (such as a payment plan or staged treatment) in order to spread out costs over time. However, this may depend on the policies of the practice, and may not always be available.

If you are unsure of the cost you have been quoted feel free to discuss this with the dentist or seek a second opinion. However, it is important to note that a quote can only be provided after appropriate examination and usually cannot be made over the phone. There are likely to be further costs involved in gaining that second opinion from another dentist.

Many people are comfortable asking family, friends or other trusted health professionals or performing an internet search to locate a dentist or dental specialist. 

Often, we are asked to recommend someone. Unfortunately, ADA NSW cannot recommend a particular dentist. In these cases, we encourage interested persons to ask people they know and trust to give them a direct recommendation.

Alternatively, you can search using the ADA 'Find a Dentist' resource. 

In order to be eligible for public dental treatment in NSW, you must be:

• Eligible for Medicare AND hold a current Health Care Card or Pension Care Card

OR

• Be aged under 18 years at the time the treatment commences.

More information can be found by visiting the following site:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/Pages/info-patients.aspx

Contact your Local Area Health Service to find out more:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/Pages/call-centre-search.aspx

Dentistry is a regulated profession, meaning that there are strict rules that apply on who can practice. 

Dentists are individuals who have undergone an approved course of university study (typically 4-5 years) and passed examinations that qualify them to practice dentistry. Dentistry involves assessing, preventing, diagnosing, advising on, and treating any injuries, diseases, deficiencies, deformities or lesions on or of the human teeth, mouth or jaws or associated structures.

Dental specialists are dentists who have undertaken and successfully completed an additional course of approved study (typically 3 years) in their chosen field of dentistry. 

For more information on dental specialties – you can access the list and descriptions from the Dental Board of Australia here:
www.dentalboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx
(See dental list of recognised specialties, related specialist titles and definitions)

Dentistry involves assessing, preventing, diagnosing, advising on, and treating any injuries, diseases, deficiencies, deformities or lesions on or of the human teeth, mouth or jaws or associated structures.

All dentists can work within this definition. However, as the definition is broad dentists often limit themselves to particular procedures and services. This decision can be based on their professional interests, professional experience and any additional training they may have undertaken. This is the reason why a dentist may sometimes recommend referral of a patient to another practitioner or to a dental specialist.

Asking is the most direct way to verify whether your dentist is a registered general dentist or a registered specialist dentist.

You can also check the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) register. This is a public register and can be accessed by members of the community at the following website: www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practitioners.aspx

There are 13 dental specialties, these are:

• dento-maxillofacial radiology

• endodontics

• forensic odontology 

• oral and maxillofacial surgery 

• oral medicine 

• oral and maxillofacial pathology 

• oral surgery 

• orthodontics 

• paediatric dentistry 

• periodontics 

• prosthodontics 

• public health (community) dentistry

• special needs dentistry

For more information on these dental specialties visit:

www.dentalboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx

(See dental list of recognised specialties, related specialist titles and definitions)

In the same way as checking if your dentist is a dental specialist, check the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) register. This is a public register and can be accessed by anyone at the following website:
www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practitioners.aspx

If you are looking for information regarding COVID-19 in relation to dental treatment, please follow the link below. 
www.adansw.com.au/patientinfo.aspx.