How long do we need to keep old treatment plans?

Answer

Treatment plans (both complete and incomplete) are part of each patient’s clinical record and should be retained for as long as required by your individual state’s dental practice act. Check with your state’s dental board for any state requirements. If your state does not dictate a required amount of time to retain clinical records, then retain them for seven years, based on the recommendations of the American Dental Association. If the patient is a minor and leaves the practice, the clinical records should be retained for at least seven years beyond reaching age 18.