How to Switch Dentists (and Get Your Records and X-Rays Transferred)
How to switch dentists without the awkwardness: choose a new dentist, request your records and X-rays, and avoid repeat imaging. A simple step-by-step guide.
Reviewed by the toothcheck Dental Team Independent dentist providing online second opinions.
Learning how to switch dentists can feel more awkward than it really is. Maybe the treatment plan felt rushed, maybe the office moved too far away, or maybe you just never clicked. Whatever the reason, you are allowed to change dentists, and it is a routine administrative task for every dental office.
The real work is not the breakup, it is the paperwork. Your X-rays and records are what let a new dentist pick up where the last one left off. This guide walks through the steps in order so nothing gets lost along the way.
Quick Answer
To switch dentists, first pick your new dentist, then ask your current office for copies of your dental records and X-rays, and bring them to your first visit. You do not need to give a reason or have a conversation, a short written records request is enough. You have the right to copies of your records, and transferring your X-rays helps avoid repeat imaging. If you are leaving because of a big treatment plan, consider getting a second opinion before you go.
You Are Allowed to Switch (and It Is Not Disloyal)
Dentistry is a long relationship, so leaving can feel like a betrayal. It is not. Dental offices handle transfers every week, and a good practice will process yours without drama. Your mouth, your money and your health are the only things that matter in this decision.
Common, perfectly valid reasons include:
- A treatment plan you do not feel comfortable with (see unnecessary dental work red flags)
- Billing that feels unclear or high (see is my dentist overcharging me)
- Poor communication or feeling rushed
- A move, an insurance change or inconvenient hours
If you are not sure whether it is time, our guide on the signs it is time to change your dentist can help you think it through. And if the main issue is one specific recommendation, read second opinion vs switching dentists first.
Step 1: Choose Your New Dentist First
Do this before you request anything. It avoids a gap in care and lets your new office tell you exactly what they want to receive.
What to look for
- A dentist who explains options, including monitoring and less invasive choices
- Clear pricing before treatment, not after
- A willingness to work from your existing X-rays
- Reviews and credentials that hold up (see how to check if a dentist is legit and are online dentist reviews trustworthy)
For more detail, see how to find a dentist who will not overtreat you and how to find a dentist you can trust.
Ask a few questions on the phone
A two-minute call tells you a lot. Our list of questions to ask a new dentist covers what to ask about philosophy, X-rays, fees and emergencies.
Step 2: Request Your Records and X-Rays
You generally have a right to copies of your dental records, including X-rays. State rules differ on timeframes and fees, so check the details for your state or simply ask the office. For a deeper walkthrough, see how to get your dental records and X-rays.
What a records request looks like
Keep it short and written, so there is a paper trail. Email or the practice's patient portal works well. A simple request can say:
- Your full name, date of birth and phone number
- That you are requesting copies of your complete dental record, including all X-rays, periodontal charting, treatment notes and your current treatment plan
- The format you want (digital files are best)
- Where to send them, either to you or directly to your new dentist
- Your signature, since offices usually need written authorization
You do not need to explain why you are leaving.
What to ask for
| Item | Why it matters | Preferred format |
|---|---|---|
| X-rays (bitewings, periapicals, panoramic) | Lets your new dentist compare and avoid repeats | Digital files (DICOM or image files) |
| Treatment notes and chart | Shows past work, materials and dates | PDF or portal download |
| Periodontal (gum) charting | Gives a baseline for gum health | |
| Current treatment plan and estimate | Lets you compare before committing | |
| Medical history and allergies | Keeps your care safe and consistent |
Digital versus paper
Ask for digital copies whenever you can. Printed X-rays lose detail and are hard to share. If your office only has physical films, ask for high-quality duplicates and avoid sending the originals.
Step 3: Follow Up Politely, Then Persist if Needed
Give the office a few business days. If nothing arrives, send a short follow-up and mention the date of your original request. If you hit a wall, you can contact your state dental board for guidance on records access. Keep your messages calm and factual.
Step 4: What to Bring to Your First Visit
Walking in prepared makes the first appointment smoother, and it helps the new dentist avoid starting from scratch.
- Your copied records and X-rays (or confirmation they were sent ahead)
- Your insurance card and ID
- A list of medications and medical conditions
- Notes on any symptoms, sensitivity or pain
- Any treatment plan you were previously given
If you were told you need major work, bring that plan too, and tell the new dentist honestly that you want to understand your options.
How to Avoid Repeat X-Rays
New patients are often asked for a fresh set of X-rays. Sometimes that is clinically reasonable, but you can reduce unnecessary repeats.
- Send your recent X-rays ahead of time so the dentist can review them
- Ask whether your existing images are good enough for diagnosis
- Tell the office when your last X-rays were taken
- Ask which images they need and why, rather than agreeing to a full set by default
Your new dentist makes the final clinical call, and sometimes a new image is genuinely needed for something specific. The aim is only to avoid duplicates that add cost and radiation without adding information. You can also read more in our page on dental X-ray review.
If You Are Leaving Over a Treatment Plan
Many people switch right after being handed an expensive plan. Before you move, it can be worth a quick sanity check, because a new dentist may start by recommending the same thing, or something different, and it helps to know what is reasonable.
- A dental treatment plan review can tell you whether the plan is proportionate
- Our dental second opinion guide explains the process and what to expect
- If you are looking for a more conservative approach, see what a conservative dentist is and what minimally invasive dentistry means
For general oral health information from authoritative sources, the American Dental Association and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research are good places to start.
Two Ways toothcheck Can Help You Switch With Confidence
If we have a network dentist near you, you can request a free second opinion from a vetted, conservative dentist in our network. You request it through toothcheck and we follow up within 72 hours. The network is live in a few select US metros and is still growing, so we will tell you honestly if we do not have a match near you yet. It is also a way to meet a conservative dentist you might consider switching to. You can learn how we choose them in how we vet dentists for our network.
If you would rather have a fast, independent review you can use from anywhere, our online second opinion gives you a licensed dentist's written report on your X-rays and treatment plan for a flat 59 dollars. It is a good fit if you want a plain-English answer before you move, or if you have your records in hand already.
The two options are separate. The free network option depends on where we have a dentist, and the 59-dollar report is available no matter where you live. To understand how we think about care, read our manifesto and meet the team.
FAQ
Is it okay to switch dentists?
Yes. You can change dentists at any time and for any reason. Dental practices expect patients to move, and you do not owe anyone an explanation or a confrontation. Most offices simply process a records request and wish you well.
Do I have a right to my dental records and X-rays?
In general, yes. In the US you can request copies of your dental records, including X-rays, and the practice must provide them, although rules on timing and reasonable copying fees vary by state. A practice should not withhold your records because of an unpaid balance in most cases, but check your state rules or ask the office directly.
How long does a dental records transfer take?
Many offices send digital X-rays and records within a few business days, though some take one to two weeks. Ask for them by secure email or a download link so you can pass them straight to your new dentist.
Will my new dentist need to take new X-rays?
Not always. If your recent X-rays are transferred in good quality, many dentists can work from them and only add images they clinically need. Bringing your records helps avoid unnecessary repeat radiation and cost.
Can I get a free second opinion before I switch, and how does it compare with the 59-dollar report?
If we have a network dentist near you, you can request a free second opinion from a vetted, conservative dentist in our network. You request it through toothcheck and we follow up within 72 hours. The network is live in a few select US metros and is still growing, so we will tell you honestly if we do not have a match near you yet. If you would rather have a fast, independent review you can use from anywhere, our online second opinion gives you a licensed dentist's written report on your X-rays and treatment plan for a flat 59 dollars.
Should I switch dentists or just get a second opinion?
If you are unsure about a specific treatment plan, a second opinion is a low-pressure way to check it before you move anywhere. If your concerns are about trust, communication or approach in general, switching is reasonable. Many people do the second opinion first, then decide.
Final Thought
Switching dentists is mostly a matter of order: choose the new dentist, request your records and X-rays in writing, and bring them to your first visit. You do not need a reason, and you do not need to feel guilty. If you would like a conservative dentist to move to, request a match from our Trusted Network and we will tell you honestly whether we have one near you.
Last medically reviewed: October 2026