Moving to a New Dentist

Start with your records, not the new office

The easiest time to collect your file is before you tell anyone you are leaving. Ask your current office for a copy of your chart, treatment summary and X-rays, and say plainly that you are changing dentists. Offices handle this routinely, and some will send records directly to the new practice once you sign a release.

Waiting until after the move can mean longer delays, especially if the old office has closed or changed hands. A few minutes of planning now avoids a scramble later.

What to ask for before you go

Be specific so nothing is left out. A short written request listing exactly what you want works better than a verbal one at the front desk. Include your full name, date of birth and the approximate dates you were treated.

Ask whether copies are free, how long they take and whether they can be sent electronically. If you hold a treatment history log, compare it with the chart you receive and flag any gaps.

• Treatment history and clinical notes
• All X-rays, as digital files if possible
• Periodontal charting and any referral letters
• Records of allergies or reactions noted in your chart
• Orthodontic or implant details, including dates and parts used

Should the old office send records, or should you?

Both routes work, and many people do both. A direct transfer between offices is convenient, but you will not see what was sent. Holding your own copy lets you check it for completeness and gives you a backup if a transfer is lost.

If the new office asks for a release form, fill it out early. When files arrive by email or portal, confirm with the new front desk that they were received, and ask whether images came through in a usable format.

Preparing for the first visit

Write a one-page summary: past major treatments with approximate dates, current medications, health conditions, allergies and anything that has bothered you recently. Add your insurance details and the name of your previous dentist.

Also note your preferences. If you dislike certain procedures, tend to feel anxious, or want a particular approach to treatment planning, say so early. A new dentist knows nothing about you yet, and a clear summary helps the appointment go further.

What to expect once you are there

Expect a fresh exam even with transferred records, because the new dentist needs to see your mouth as it is now. Some offices will take new images; others may use recent ones you bring. Neither choice is unusual.

If something in your history is unclear, such as an old filling or a recommendation made elsewhere, ask the dentist to explain how they see it. A second set of eyes is a normal part of changing practices, and a mix of records and conversation gives the clearest picture.

One optional footnote: some people wonder whether to bring up supplements. The seller of ProDentim describes it as an oral probiotic chewable, and states that people who are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or with a medical condition should talk to a doctor first. Mention anything you take to your dentist, who can advise you, and none of this replaces regular checkups.

Your next step: write your one-page summary today and send your records request this week.

Questions readers ask