What must a dentist ensure when transferring patient records?

When transferring patient records, it is essential for a dentist to ensure that patient consent is obtained. This requirement is rooted in legal and ethical considerations surrounding patient privacy and confidentiality. According to laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, patient health information is protected, and the patient has the right to control who has access to their records. Obtaining consent ensures that the patient is aware of and agrees to the transfer of their personal health information, which helps maintain trust in the patient-provider relationship and protects the patient's rights.

The other options do not fulfill the necessary legal or ethical requirements for the transfer of patient records. Duplicating records could be unnecessary or potentially violate privacy if consent is not acquired. Deleting records is not appropriate as it compromises the integrity of the patient's medical history, which must be preserved for continuity of care. Summarizing records might not provide the comprehensive information needed for the receiving healthcare provider, and without consent, doing so could still violate patient confidentiality. Therefore, obtaining patient consent is the paramount action that must be taken prior to any transfer of records.