Which statement defines a 'patient of record'?

• A. A patient who has paid for care.
• B. A patient upon whom a dentist has taken a complete medical history, completed a clinical examination, recorded any pathological conditions, and prepared a treatment plan.
• C. A patient who has visited the dental office once.
• D. A patient who has been referred by another clinician.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that a patient of record is someone with an established dentist–patient relationship supported by documented assessment and plan. The statement that defines this is when the dentist has taken a complete medical history, performed a clinical examination, recorded any pathological conditions, and prepared a treatment plan. This combination shows the dentist has engaged in thorough evaluation, identified conditions, and outlined recommended care, creating ongoing responsibility for the patient’s care.

Simply paying for care does not establish that relationship, a single visit may not create it, and being referred by another clinician does not by itself establish the dentist–patient relationship or the attached documentation and plan.