Getting the dental records from the Arizona dentist that performed the questionable and potentially legally actionable dental treatment is very important in determining the viability of any potential legal claim.  The attorney and/or any consulting dental expert will likely need to review your dental records to determine the viability of any potential dental malpractice claim. 

When requesting your dental records from an Arizona dental provider, you are not obligated to disclose that the request is for purposes of a potential dental malpractice claim against him or her.  The patient, pursuant to Arizona statutory law, is entitled to his or her records and any Arizona dental provider that refuses or fails to disclose the records can be subject to discipline by the Arizona Dental Board.  If you feel that the Arizona dental provider is not being responsive, it may be helpful to put the request in writing and provide it via certified mail with a reasonable deadline for the dental provider to respond.  Such action will support any subsequent action taken against the Arizona dental provider for failure to provide the dental records in violation of Arizona law. 

Please keep in mind that certain types of records are not kept in the dental chart and must be requested separately.  For instance, billing statements and account history are usually on a computer.  In addition, x-rays and films may be kept separately.  As such, it is very important that when requesting your dental records, that you request all records, including patient in-take forms, including health history forms, dental charts, x-rays, films and billing statements.