Changing Dentist ??? .. Can you obtain dental records to take to a 'new' dentist ?

[smiles4u]

Hi all,


Apologies it's a long post, hope someone can help me


I have been going to the same Dentist for nearly twenty years (I was about 24 at the time, I'm now 42) !!

... He was a young Dentist at the time setting up his own Dental Practise, I'm guessing he is about late 40's now BUT I have noticed the past 5 years or so it's as though the success has gone to his head


He has a lovely Dental Hygienist that sees me the main bulk of my visit, ... she cleans & scales, etc ... and then "HE" wizzes in & out to check up on things & truely leaves the room that quickly that I don't get any time to ask him questions

The Dental Hygienist (whom he never had before until about 8years ago, as he did all the work years ago) always looks a little embarrassed after he leaves the room so quickly.

His personality use to be warm & friendly, & he had time to explain things to you BUT NOW he has become so arrogant & is always in a mad rush.

He has at least a couple of other Dentists working on his premises for the past several years, that's how successful he has become.

I do understand dental fees are high but one time my DP was waiting in the waiting room for me to hear my Dentist's receptionist of all these years answering the phone telling someone new that "Yes, our fees are higher than most". He was truely shocked to hear her admit it

Anyway, since I moved to the country of Ballarat & I no longer live near this Dental Surgery in Melbourne, I am wanting to find a new dentist here in Ballarat but I don't know how it works ... Can I obtain my dental records from this Dentist in Melbourne ?

And if so, do I ask my old Dentist or his receptionist (I honestly don't want to be in the position to ask him) or a future new Dentist to organise it ?

I have an appointment for my annual check up with my old Dentist next month & I am wondering what to do

I just don't want to go to a new Dentist without my almost 20years of Dental records with this one Dentist

... Huge " THANKS " inadvance to anyone that can help me with any information (& anyone that can recommend a great Dentist in Ballarat)