Dental patient information, both written in the chart and verbal, is absolutely confidential. Practice and dentist’s business affairs are also to be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
The above subjects should not be discussed outside of the office. Office matters must be kept in the office.
Some government regulations also restrict release of any information about a patient to members of the public or press, other professionals, pharmacies, family, friends, etc. without the patient's specific authorization. These regulations generally cover information such as the patient’s name, age, address, sex, nature of illness or injury, general condition, etc.
When discussing confidential matters at the office, keep voices at a low level. Be particularly aware of what is said at the front desk and outside of the treatment rooms, as patients may easily overhear it.
Cambridge Dental Consultants recommends patients not be exposed to discussion of internal office matters. For example, if a patient's ledger or chart cannot be located or there is a scheduling conflict, the patient does not need to be told this information.