Who owns dental jaw models/impressions?

Question

As I understand it, a dental patient in CA can make a written request for a copy of his records, and that there is a copying charge, (which I do not dispute.) Does this include a "copy" of the jaw study models?
Since I am going to have several consults for Implants, I would like to be prepared.

Answer 1

It probably comes down to a matter of number, cost, and quality of reproduction.

I imagine you might want a few copies of your records for the various consultations:

1. Written notes can be easily photocopied;

2. X-rays can be easily copied if digital, or for standard X-rays ask a radiographer or even a photo processing shop. They're just like film negatives.

3. Old plaster models can be copied by labs, but might not be as good as originals. It might be better and cheaper to have a lab technician make a new impression in PVS and them churn out a few copies from the one impression.

Answer 2

Study models while treatment is being done, is property of the Doctor. BUT... once treatment is done, you are able to keep them if you desire. YOU DID PAY FOR THEM. I've never seen a doctor refuse them yet, as long as the treatemnt has been finished. All we do, is throw them out anyways. We have no use for them, after your treatment is finished. After crown work/ dentures are finished, i always give my patients there models. Some patients enjoy seeing their models and want to keep them.

Answer 3

at our office we generally keep study models for the require 25 or more years it's our legal record. but we have given patients x rays and models to take with them to consultations. good for you for getting the best replacement option for your teeth.

Answer 4

I'VE NEVER HEARD OF COPIES OF STUDY MODELS BEING INCLUDED WITH X-RAYS OR WRITTEN RECORDS.I SUPPOSE IT MAY BE DONE, FOR AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE HOWEVER, THE ORIGINALS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THE DENTIST.