Which legislation enables patients to obtain copies of their dental records?

The Access to Health Records Act is the appropriate legislation that allows patients to request copies of their dental records. This act provides individuals with the right to access their health records, which includes the records held by dental practitioners. The primary goal of this legislation is to ensure transparency and maintain patients' rights over their personal health information, allowing them to know what data is being held, how it is used, and to have the ability to review their own medical history.

This empowerment is crucial for patients as it facilitates informed decision-making about their health care. It also enhances the trust between patients and healthcare providers, as patients feel more secure knowing they can access their own records.

While the Data Protection Act sets out the framework for data protection and privacy rights in general, the Access to Health Records Act specifically addresses the issue of accessing health records, including dental records. Therefore, the Access to Health Records Act is more focused and relevant to this particular context within dental nursing practice.