Dental Treatment Abroad – Access to UK Dental Records

This information will be useful to patients travelling abroad for dental treatment.

Am I able to get a copy of my dental records and x-rays from my dentist in the UK?

Yes, you have a legal right to get copies of your dental records and x-rays. The 1998 Data Protection Act [which became law on 1 March 2000] says that a dentist must provide a patient with their dental records and x-rays if requested to do so by the patient. The dentist must provide the dental records and x-rays within 40 days but can charge a reasonable administration fee. You do not have to give a reason why you want a copy of your records. You may have to give your request in writing and you may have to show proof of identity. You may want to send your letter by recorded delivery.

If you want a copy of your dental records and x-rays and they are all held on a computer you can be charged an administration fee of up to £10.

If you want a copy of your dental records and x-rays and they held on paper records, or they are held on a mixture of paper and computer records, you can be charged a maximum of £50 [The 2001 Data Protection (Subject Access) (Fees and Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2001, says a dentist can charge a maximum of £50]