Which is an appropriate action for a dental assistant regarding patient records?

Obtaining the dentist's approval before signing patient records is essential in a dental practice. Dental assistants play a vital role in managing patient information, but they must operate within the boundaries set by legal and ethical guidelines. Patient records are confidential and considered sensitive information; therefore, they must be handled with care to protect patient privacy.

When a dental assistant seeks the dentist's approval before signing any documentation, it ensures that the dentist is aware of the contents and verifies that the information is accurate and appropriate for the patient's care. This not only maintains compliance with regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) but also reinforces the trust and accountability within the dental practice.

On the other hand, accessing records without authorization would violate patient confidentiality and potentially lead to legal consequences. Sharing records indiscriminately undermines the patient's privacy and can result in serious legal ramifications for both the assistant and the practice. Handling records independently without the oversight of a licensed dentist puts excessive responsibility on the assistant and can result in errors that adversely affect patient care. Thus, seeking approval before signing is the correct and responsible practice for a dental assistant.