1. Position Summary
Digital health records are widely used in the practice of dentistry and digital communication of health information is commonplace. The use of these technologies must include provisions to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information, and appropriate back-up of data.
2. Position
Dentists should lead the digital transformation of oral healthcare by integrating evidence
Safeguards must be employed to protect the integrity of the practitioner’s own records, and the privacy of patients’ Digital Health records.
Digital health technologies, including electronic health records, intraoral scanners, digital radiography, CAD/CAM systems, and artificial intelligence tools, should be adopted based on clinical evidence and patient benefit.
The ADA Schedule and Glossary must remain the only reference for defining dental treatments provided in Australia.
Data used in forming future clinical indicators pertaining to dentistry should be interpreted and assessed by a dentist.
Dentists must be professionally responsible for creating and maintaining records of treatment they provide.
Dentists must retain the ownership of their records, though patients shall have the right to access their records.
Dentists serve as stewards of patient data, ensuring appropriate access, sharing and use while maintaining patient control over their health information.
The dental profession must define the functional requirements of dental software and of technical support systems for dental Digital Health.
Patients should have access to their complete oral health information through patient portals, My Health Record, and other digital platforms.
An opt-out system for patients should be used for the My Health Record (MHR).
Patients may choose which practitioners have access to their MHR.
Patients should not withhold any medical information from their MHR.
Practitioners must be protected from legal action if they act correctly on the information in the MHR where the relevant information has been altered, sealed or blocked by the patient.
Digital health solutions must address rather than exacerbate health inequities, with particular attention to rural, remote, culturally diverse, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.
The dental profession should actively participate in digital health research, innovation, and policy development to ensure oral health needs are represented such as access to ePrescribing, secure messaging and input into national digital health strategy and roadmaps.
Government investment should support digital health infrastructure development, workforce training, and technology adoption incentives aligned with national digital health strategies.
Government investment should support digital health infrastructure development, workforce training, and technology adoption incentives aligned with national digital health strategies.
Digital health competencies must be integrated into dental education curricula at all levels, from entry-to-practice through continuing professional development.
Dentists should take account of the advice of the ADA before embracing new Digital Health technology.
3. Background
Dentists are obliged to maintain accurate, contemporaneous records of health and personal information about their patients in accordance with the Board’s Dental Records Guidelines.
All health records must be managed in accordance with relevant legislative requirements such as privacy and eHealth legislation, and the Board’s Codes, Policies and Guidelines.
Digital health now extends beyond traditional electronic health records to encompass virtual care (teledentistry and remote monitoring), data analytics, artificial intelligence, interoperability, and patient engagement platforms (online booking platforms, My Health Record).
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption of digital health technologies and demonstrated their importance in maintaining healthcare continuity during disruptions.
Modern oral healthcare requires dentists to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, which requires seamless information sharing and coordinated care planning.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are increasingly being integrated into dental practice for diagnosis, treatment planning, and practice management.
The MHR opt-in system was replaced with an opt-out system for patients in 2019.
Digital health technologies, data analytics, and multi-disciplinary health partnerships facilitate the improvement of patient outcomes, advancing population health, and ensuring the sustainability of oral healthcare delivery.
There is a need for better integration of medical and dental health care information in Electronic Health Records systems, as a basis of person-centred care.
4. Definitions
BOARD is the Dental Board of Australia.
DATA STEWARDSHIP involves the responsible and ethical management of patient data throughout its lifecycle, ensuring appropriate access, use, sharing, and protection.
DIGITAL HEALTH encompasses the use of information and communication technologies to support health and healthcare, including virtual care, mobile health applications, wearable devices, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
DIGITAL HEALTH LITERACY refers to the ability to seek, find, understand, and appraise health information from electronic sources and apply knowledge gained to addressing or solving a health problem.
DENTAL INFORMATICS is the application of information science, computer science, and technology to dental practice, education, research, and administration.
DENTAL RECORD is an accurate and concise documentation of a patient’s details, clinical details including dental and medical histories, examination findings, radiographs and diagnostic data, treatment plans, dental treatment and care provided and communications with the patient and other health providers.
INTEROPERABILITY is the ability of different information systems, devices, and
applications to access, exchange, integrate, and cooperatively use data in a coordinated
manner.
PATIENT is a person receiving health care or any substitute authorised decision maker for
those who do not have the capacity to make their own decisions.
TELEDENTISTRY encompasses the delivery of health-related services and information via
remote telecommunications technologies.
VIRTUAL CARE includes all remote healthcare delivery methods, including telehealth
consultations, remote monitoring, and digital therapeutics.
5. Last review
September 2025
6. Next review due
September 2027
This Policy Statement is linked to other Policy Statements:
5.1 Dentistry and Third Parties
5.2 The Australian Schedule of Dental Services & Glossary
5.17 Dental Records
6.12 Medical Devices in Dentistry
6.28 Telehealth & Virtual Care in Dentistry
