How long must dental records be retained after the last patient visit in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, dental records must be retained for at least 11 years after the last patient visit. This requirement is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures that adequate documentation exists should there be any future need to reference the patient’s history for legal, medical, or continuity of care purposes. Patients may have ongoing or future concerns related to treatments they received, and having access to their dental records can be essential for ongoing care.

Additionally, maintaining dental records for this duration aligns with the state's regulations, which aim to protect patient rights and ensure that healthcare providers have the necessary information to defend themselves in the event of a malpractice claim or other legal issues. The mandate for a retention period of 11 years helps safeguard dentists and their practices from potential liabilities associated with incomplete patient histories.

Thus, the requirement for record retention in North Carolina emphasizes responsible practice management and facilitates the provision of continuous and informed patient care.