A patient of record is which of the following?

• A. An individual who has never been treated by the dentist
• B. An individual examined and diagnosed with a treatment plan
• C. A patient who is deceased
• D. A patient seeking only emergency care

Answer: (B)

Being a patient of record means you have an established relationship with the dental practice, demonstrated by having been examined, diagnosed, and given a treatment plan that is documented in your chart. This shows ongoing care with the dentist, not just a new arrival or someone who has never been treated. The idea that you have been evaluated and a plan for your care has been created is what sets a patient of record apart from someone who hasn’t had an exam yet. A deceased patient isn’t in active care, so that doesn’t fit. And while someone seeking only emergency care might be temporarily seen, the defining factor for being a patient of record is the documented examination and treatment plan.