When you change dentists, you don't have to recreate your entire dental history from memory. Start by booking your new patient visit, then ask the office what records would be useful and how they prefer to receive them. Recent X rays, treatment notes, and details about current concerns can help the new team understand where you're starting.
Begin with one clear request
Call your previous office and ask how to request a copy or transfer of your records. You may need to complete a release form. Keep a copy of your request and ask when the records are expected to be sent.
Then call your new office. Let them know you're transferring care and ask whether they want records sent before the first visit or whether there is another process. That avoids unnecessary back and forth.
Share what records can't show
Records are helpful, but your own perspective matters too. Tell the new dentist about pain, sensitivity, past dental experiences, dental anxiety, or a treatment plan you're unsure about. If you wear a night guard, use a retainer, or have a temporary restoration, mention that as well.
You don't need perfect documentation to be treated with respect. The first visit is a chance to build a current picture of your oral health and decide what should happen next.
Handle insurance separately
If an insurance change is part of why you're switching, have your current plan information ready. Le Dentistry is in network with Delta Dental. Other PPO plans may include out of network benefits. The team can verify benefits information and file claims, but the insurer makes the final coverage decision.
Know which records are most useful
Recent dental images can help a new dentist understand areas that have been watched or treated. Treatment notes can show what materials or procedures were used. A current treatment plan can explain what the previous office recommended, even if you want another perspective before continuing.
The new office can tell you which dates and record types will be useful. Sending every document from years of care can create noise. The goal is to provide enough history to support a current evaluation, not replace it.
If you have seen specialists, mention those records too. An oral surgeon, orthodontist, endodontist, periodontist, or other provider may hold information that's not in the general dentist's chart. The new office can tell you what is relevant to request.
Protect your own copy
Find out whether the records will go directly to the new office, to you, or both. Confirm the delivery details before the transfer because even a small spelling error can delay it.
Keep copies of important images, treatment plans, and correspondence when possible. You may need them again if you move, see a specialist, or compare recommendations. Store health records somewhere private rather than leaving them in a shared inbox or on a public device.
If the transfer is taking longer than expected, tell the new office. The appointment may still be able to proceed, or the team may recommend a different timing based on your concern.
Don't postpone an urgent problem for paperwork
Records support care, but they should not become a barrier when you're in pain. If you have swelling, a broken tooth, a lost restoration, or another urgent concern, describe it when you call. The office can decide whether you should be evaluated before the full record transfer is complete.
Bring a medication list, allergy information, and the names of important health conditions even if the old chart is on the way. Your current health information matters at every visit.
Once the urgent issue is stable, the new dentist can combine the records, exam findings, and your goals into a longer term plan. That sequence keeps immediate needs from getting buried in an administrative process.
Confirm that the transfer is complete
Before the first visit, ask the new office whether the requested records arrived and whether the files can be opened. A sent confirmation does not always mean every image or attachment came through correctly.
If something is missing, ask which item matters most. The previous office may be able to resend one image or note without repeating the entire transfer. Keep the release form and contact information until the new team confirms that the useful records are in the chart.
At the appointment, tell the dentist if the records don't reflect a recent symptom or treatment. The chart is a starting point. Your current experience completes the picture.
Make the handoff easier
Use the new patient page to prepare for your visit and the Oshkosh dentist page to learn about the practice. Contact Le Dentistry when you're ready to begin.