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The short version: there is no one statutory keep-time for every California dental chart. The seven-year rule has a limited facility-closure scope, while Medi-Cal has its own ten-year requirement. Match the record to the rule that actually governs it.
| Record or provider setting | Minimum retention | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary private dental practice | No single universal statutory periodThe Dental Board has said no general law requires every dentist to keep every chart for one specified period. Apply every rule that actually governs the record, including payer, program, contract, litigation-hold, and professional-liability requirements. | Dental Board 2018 Sunset Review (B11) |
| Listed HSC-licensed provider that ceases operation — adult record | At least 7 years after dischargeThis closure rule applies only to providers licensed under HSC §§1205, 1253, 1575, or 1726; it is not a general rule for every private dental office. | Health & Safety Code §123145 |
| Listed HSC-licensed provider that ceases operation — unemancipated minor record | At least 1 year past age 18 — and never less than 7 years after dischargeThe same limited facility-closure scope applies; use the longer of the two periods. | Health & Safety Code §123145 |
| Medi-Cal / Denti-Cal provider records | At least 10 yearsUse the latest applicable trigger in the Medi-Cal rule, including service, audit, or contract timing. This is an independent program requirement, not an extension of a generic seven-year rule. | Welfare & Institutions Code §14124.1 |
| Action | Deadline | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Let a patient inspect their records | Within 5 working days after the request and satisfactory verification; the ordinary request need not be written | Health & Safety Code §123110 |
| Provide copies to a patient | Within 15 days after receiving the request; the ordinary request need not be written | Health & Safety Code §123110 |
| Produce records on a Dental Board demand (with valid authorization) | Dentist: 15 days · Facility: 30 days | Business & Professions Code / HSC |
| Notify affected residents of a records breach | No later than 30 calendar days after discovery | Civil Code §1798.82 |
The 30-day breach-notification deadline reflects a 2026 change — see what changed.