IMPORTANT UPDATE – Retention of Dental Records
In April 2022 we wrote an article regarding changes to the NHS guidance re the retention of dental records. At that time, the NHS reduced the retention period from 10 years to 8 years. We submitted a Freedom of Information Act request and received this document regarding the change. The NHS then changed the guidance again, in May 2023, advising practices to keep dental records for 15 years.
In August 2023, the NHS once again updated the guidance. Practices must now keep clinical dental care records for 11 years. Importantly, this also includes FP17 and FP17O forms.
It is not clear if or how this change has been communicated to dental practices across the UK.
Finance related dental records must be kept for 2 years. This includes PR forms.
Practices should update privacy notices and record retention policies and notify patients of this change.
If you need advice or assistance with amending your privacy notice or other GDPR polices, please contact our lawyers on 020 7 388 1658 or at lawyers@jfhlaw.co.uk.
Please note that the information contained in this article was correct at the time of writing. There may have been updates to the law since the article was written which may affect the information and advice given therein.
