Legally, how long must records for a child patient be kept after they leave the practice?

In the context of dental records, child patients’ records are legally required to be retained until the patient reaches the age of 25. This is important for several reasons, including the potential need for medical history and treatment details that may arise later in the patient's life, especially if they seek ongoing or further dental care. Keeping records for this duration ensures that the dental practice can provide adequate support and continuity of care, should the patient return in adulthood for any issues that may relate to their childhood treatments.

In the case of other options provided, while age thresholds like 16, 18, or 21 years may seem relevant, they do not align with the legal requirements for record retention in dental practices. The retention period of 25 years reflects a more comprehensive understanding of a person's developmental timeline and healthcare needs.