---
title: "What Is Electronic health record? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "An electronic health record is a digital version of a patient's chart that keeps health information in one place and shares it with authorized users."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/electronic-health-record
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Technology and implants

# Electronic health record

An electronic health record is a digital version of a patient's chart that keeps health information in one place and shares it with authorized users.

HealthIT.gov says electronic health records (EHRs) are real-time, patient-centered records that make health information available immediately and securely to authorized users.

A dental chart often holds histories, notes, images, treatment plans and consents. In many dental offices the record lives inside [practice management software](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/practice-management-software). Some practices also link to a medical record system.

The record is protected health information. The [HIPAA Security Rule](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/hipaa-security-rule) sets safeguards for the electronic form. Offices should control who can see each record and keep logs of access.

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [Practice management software](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/practice-management-software)
-   [HIPAA](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/hipaa)
-   [HIPAA Security Rule](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/hipaa-security-rule)
-   [Cloud-based dental software](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/cloud-based-dental-software)

## Sources

1.  [HealthIT.gov: Electronic Health Records and Their Benefits](https://healthit.gov/health-it-basics/benefits-ehrs/)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)