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Dental Record Transfer in Laval: How to Switch Dentists

Transferring your dental record in Laval simply requires a written request to your former clinic, which must act on it promptly. Your new dentist then receives your x-rays and clinical notes, allowing them to pick up right where you left off, whether that's a routine exam, cosmetic dentistry, or follow-up care for dental implants.

Switching dentists in Laval: what to know before you call

Moving to the area, no longer feeling comfortable with your current clinic, or simply wanting a family dentist closer to Sainte-Rose, Vimont, Auteuil, or Fabreville: there are plenty of legitimate reasons to switch dentists in Laval. Your dental record belongs to you in the sense that you have the right to obtain a copy or request its transfer to a new practitioner. Whether you need ongoing general dentistry care, are planning a cosmetic dentistry project, or are looking into dental implants, your new dentist needs your history to avoid repeating unnecessary exams.

How to request your dental record transfer

The process stays the same no matter which clinic you're leaving:

  • Make a written request, by email or mail, to your former dentist.
  • Specify whether you want a complete transfer of your file to your new clinic, or a copy handed directly to you.
  • Provide the full contact information of your new dentist if you're opting for a direct transfer.
  • Keep a record of your request, including the date it was sent.

You don't need to justify your choice or explain why you're switching dentists. The clinic doesn't need to approve your decision, it simply has to process the request.

What's in your file and what gets transferred

A dental record generally includes your digital x-rays, examination notes, medical and dental history questionnaire, proposed treatment plans, and documents tied to specific care such as Invisalign follow-up, an orthodontic file, or past procedures. The dentist transferring the file must keep a list of what was sent, giving you a reliable record of the content transferred. If you only need part of your file, you can specify this in your request instead of asking for a full transfer.

Timelines, confidentiality, and fees to keep in mind

According to the Ordre des dentistes du Québec, a dentist must respond to a request for file transfer or copies promptly, and generally has 30 days to act on it. The transfer must be done confidentially, directly between the two clinics if that's the option chosen, without going through unsecured channels. Fees for patients to access their dental file have been abolished, meaning you shouldn't have to pay to have your file handed over or transferred to another dentist.

Choosing Centre dentaire Champfleury as your new family dentist

If you're looking for an established clinic in Laval to receive your file, Centre dentaire Champfleury is located at 338 Boulevard Curé-Labelle, Suite G, in the Sainte-Rose area. The clinic was founded by Dre Vu, who opened her first practice in 1998 before it became Centre dentaire Champfleury in 2008. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and the clinic is open Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., making it easier to book appointments outside typical working hours.

On-site, you'll find general and family dentistry, Invisalign aligners, implantology, oral surgery, TMJ care, same-visit CEREC crowns, as well as cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic services. The clinic also uses digital and 3D radiology, an intraoral camera, and laser technology, which makes it easier to integrate your previous x-rays or take new images if needed.

Preparing for your first appointment with your new dentist

Once the transfer is underway, you can book an appointment without waiting for the file to be fully received, especially for an initial exam or cleaning. Bring any information you already have on hand: list of medications, known allergies, recent x-rays if you have a personal copy. To better understand what to expect during an initial exam or what questions to ask before treatment such as dental implants or an Invisalign plan, check out the clinic's tips section.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently asked questions

How do I transfer my dental record to another dentist?

According to Centre dentaire Champfleury, you need to send a written request to your former clinic specifying that you want a transfer to your new dentist. The clinic must act on it promptly, and you can ask for confirmation once the transfer is complete.

Can I get my dental record back from my former dentist?

Yes, you can request a copy of your dental record, including your x-rays and clinical notes, without having to justify your request. Fees for patients to access their file have been abolished.

How long does it take for my file to be transferred?

As Centre dentaire Champfleury explains, a dentist generally has 30 days to process a request for file transfer or copies. In practice, the actual timeline depends on each clinic's administrative workload.

Can my orthodontic file also be transferred?

Yes, documents related to orthodontic follow-up are part of your dental record and can be transferred along with the rest of your history. Mention this in your written request if you want to make sure these documents are included.

Does Centre dentaire Champfleury in Laval accept new patients with a file transfer?

Yes, according to Centre dentaire Champfleury, the clinic located in Sainte-Rose, Laval, accepts new patients and can receive your transferred file to continue care in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, or dental implants. Call 450 937-3100 to check availability.