Are dentist x-rays of my teeth my property, or does the dentist have the right to keep them?

I just saw a new dentist since I moved, and the dentist is saying I need $3,000 of work, when my old dentist told me 6 months ago my teeth are good. I want to get a second opinion, and the dentist doesn't want to give my my x-rays..(they took 12)

I've worked in a dental office as an office manager and as a dental assistant, and I can tell you that your xrays ARE your property if you've paid for them. However, if they only took 1 set of xrays, then it is the doctor's property (because she/he is taking them to see what is wrong with your teeth and needs them for procedures, it's hers/his).

Now I agree some dentists are shady and 3 grand is a lot of money, but if you need $3000 dollars of work, my guess is you need some root canals or crowns. 6 months is a long time to build decay, especially if you didn't want that filling the last time you were at the dentist. But if $3000 is for fillings or something simple like that....then yes that's ridiculous.

Dentists are allowed to keep your xrays and some even charge a fee for you to TAKE THEM to another dentist because 1.) You're not getting xrays done at THAT dentist's office....so 2.) They're allowed to charge a fee for you to take them because you're taking it away from THEIR office permanently to see someone else.

In our office, if you wanted to take your xrays, you had to sign for them with a signed agreement to bring them back. So it just depends on the dentist really.

In my years of experience, almost all dentists charge you to take your xrays away from their office. So find out which one is cheaper.....getting a new set of films at the new dentist's office, or paying $25 to take your old ones and never see that dentist again.

p.s IF you xrays are more than a year old...DO NOT get them. Dentists don't use xrays if they're more than a year old and are obligated to take new ones, mainly because of the amount of time it's been since the last ones were taken.

GOOD LUCK =)

they have the right to keep them.

well actually they are the dentist property another dentist will have to take new x-rays

you should ask that to another dentist or/and to a lawyer.

You can request the x-rays to be sent to your new Dentist. The can make duplicate copies of them. I was a dental assistant for 17 years. I made copies of radiograph (x-rays) all the time.

I am a dentist and I think I can explain better.

First of all, the xrays are not your property, even though they are images of your teeth, you can always request copies LEGALLY and no dentist can deny, There is always a charge because they have to pay for the supplies, pay the assistant to copy, and have it ready for you.

Second opinions are always needed when you are in doubt., but you must remember one thing. What one dentist thinks is wrong may not necessarily wrong in the eyes of another dentist. The dental training is very different from school to school and even within the school sometimes. You have to be very comfortable with the dentist when you decide to undergo treatment.

There are very secific laws governing medical records in the United States. (If you are elsewhere, my answer does not apply.)

In the US, you have a right to request copies of any medical records, including dental radiographs. Your dentist has a time limit to comply and may ask a reasonable fee for duplicating your records (they must keep copies or originals.) Most of the dentists I know do not charge for duplicating x-rays unless you owe them money.

Please be advised: even if you owe your dentist money, they MAY NOT deny you copies of your records - by Federal Law. They may ask you pay for duplication (perhaps $25 per x-ray), but cannot tell you "no".

Tell your dentist you will report them to HIPAA authority if they do not comply. That should get their attention.

The Federal HIPPA laws state clearly that they are your property. The dentist must furnish you with the x-rays or a diagnostic copy within a certain amount of time after written request. You can contact the state licensing board of your state to clarify the laws in your state.

Why don't you contact the Dental Board if you have one where you are living, they can advise you of your rights.