LOOSE TREATMENT FORMS.\When loose treatment forms are discovered, every effort should be made to determine the present location of the dental record. If reasonable search efforts do not locate the dental record, retain loose treatment forms for a period of 1 year. Upon expiration of the retention period, destroy the forms locally according to paragraph six of the standard identification code 6150 contained in SECNAVINST 5212.5.

RETIREMENT OF THE DENTAL RECORD

Dental records should be verified and retired as instructed in the section "Inactive Records" in this chapter. Records should be retired to the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, St. Louis, Missouri.

RELEASE OF INFORMATION

Information in the dental record is personal and is considered privileged. Treatment records should not be released to any person or organization in a manner that will compromise the interest of the individual or the government. All record disclosures should be documented with entries in the Disclosure Accounting Record imprinted on the back of the center page of the NAVMED 6150/21-30.

SUPPLY PROCEDURES

A competent dental assistant can increase the efficiency, productivity, and reduce the operational cost in a dental treatment room (DTR) by using proper supply procedures. It costs time and money to run out of necessary supplies. It is also wasteful and expensive to order and store items that are never used.

You will use a supply catalog to order supplies. Some facilities make up a catalog for local use, listing frequently ordered items. To order an item, look it up in the catalog and fill out the appropriate "request for issue" form. These forms may vary slightly in format but they all require the same basic information. It is important that you fill out the form accurately and completely. It is important to know the nomenclature, identification, and distribution data.

When your supplies arrive, check the items against your order form to ensure you receive the items and quantities that you ordered. Also check broken seals or loose parts. If you discover anything out of the ordinary, notify your supervisor. After supplies have been checked, store them in a manner consistent with the manufacturer's instructions to prevent spoilage or damage.