How long must a dentist retain duplicate lab work?

In North Carolina, dentists are required to retain duplicate laboratory work for a minimum of two years. This retention period is important because it ensures that dental practitioners have access to relevant records that may be necessary for ongoing patient care, resolving disputes, or responding to regulatory inquiries. Keeping these records for two years strikes a balance between maintaining adequate documentation and managing the volume of paperwork that practices must handle.

In contrast, shorter retention periods, such as one year, may not provide sufficient time to address any issues that may arise regarding treatment or laboratory work during that timeframe. Extended periods, like five or ten years, while providing extra caution, are not required by law and could lead to unnecessary storage issues for dental practices. Therefore, the two-year retention period is designed to comply with both best practices in patient care and legal requirements.