Minnesota Dental Jurisprudence Practice Exam

How should a dentist handle the patient’s record in the case of an error?

1. Make a correction on a new document

2. Hope no one notices

3. Use correction tape

4. Document the mistake with a single line

The correct answer is: Document the mistake with a single line

Documenting the mistake with a single line is the appropriate method for handling an error in a patient's record. This practice maintains the integrity of medical records by ensuring that the original entry remains intact while providing a clear and transparent amendment. The line through the mistake serves to denote that the information is not valid, while still allowing the original information to be referenced. This approach aligns with best practices in medical recordkeeping, which emphasize accuracy and transparency. It is also compliant with legal and ethical standards governing patient records, ensuring that any changes do not obscure or erase previous documentation, which could lead to confusion or misinterpretation in the future. Other methods, such as making corrections on new documents or using correction tape, might create ambiguity regarding the original information and could potentially be seen as attempts to alter official records inappropriately. Therefore, using a single line provides an effective and professional way to correct errors while preserving the overall integrity of the patient's record.