What must a dentist do when keeping electronic records?

In the context of maintaining electronic records in a dental practice, it's essential for dentists to ensure the integrity and accessibility of patient information. Keeping either a duplicate hard copy record or utilizing an unalterable electronic record is a crucial practice for several reasons.

Firstly, hard copy records serve as a backup and provide a tangible means of safeguarding critical patient information in case of technological failures, cyber-attacks, or data loss situations. Even in today's digital age, having a physical backup can be invaluable during unforeseen circumstances that can compromise electronic systems.

Secondly, using an unalterable electronic record ensures that once information is input, it cannot be changed or erased without proper authorization. This aspect is vital for maintaining the legal integrity of patient records, as it ensures that any entries or changes are traceable and verifiable. This characteristic is critical in legal situations where the accuracy and authenticity of records can have significant implications.

The alternative options—such as securing records with strong passwords, solely relying on cloud storage, or regularly updating software—are important practices but do not provide the same level of comprehensive safety and reliability for patient records as maintaining a duplicate hard copy or utilizing unalterable electronic records. Each of them has its role, but they cannot replace the foundational principle of having a