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This paper presents the history of the use of the computer for maintaining patient medical care information. An electronic record generated with a computer, which is non-specific for any healthcare specialty, is referred to as the electronic health record. The electronic health record was previously called the computer-based patient record. "Electronic" replaced the earlier term "computer-based" because "electronic" better describes the medium in which the patient record is managed. The electronic health record and its application to dentistry are discussed.The electronic health record is a "database" of patient information that has been entered by any healthcare provider; the electronic oral health record is an "electronic record" of oral health information that has been entered by an oral healthcare provider. The significant differences between the electronic health record and the electronic oral health record are outlined and highlighted. Included is a template describing a procedure to be used by dental personnel during the decision making process of purchasing an electronic oral health record. A brief description of a practice template is also provided. These completed templates can be shared with dental software vendors to clarify their understanding of and to clearly describe the needs of today's dental practice. The challenge of introducing information technology into educational institutions' curricula is identified. Finally, the potential benefit of using electronic technology for managing oral healthcare information is outlined. Abstract The Electronic Oral Health Record

This paper introduces the reader to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 legislation in the context of its relationship to the Electronic Oral Health Record (EOHR). Privacy and confidentiality issues for administrative data are addressed in terms of the broader relationship of such data to the EOHR leaving the HIPAA-defined administrative transactions and security issues for the entire practice for a subsequent presentation. Educational requirements are presented that aid the dentist and the practice staff in understanding the broad and long-term implications of the HIPAA legislation. Citation Chasteen JE, Murphy G, Forrey A, et.al. The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act: Practice of Dentistry in the United States: Privacy and Confidentiality. J Contemp Dent Pract 2003 February;(4)1:059-070.

This article reviews the kinds of electronic transactions required under the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) and relates them to relevant data contained in an electronic oral health record (EOHR). It also outlines the structure of HIPAA transactions using the claim transaction as an example. The relationship of the HIPAA resource management function to those of patient care are discussed. The discussion points out potential future uses of other existing resource management transactions to realize the maximum potential of linking the primary patient care functions to those functions related to managing resources in support of that care. This is needed in all aspects of oral health using the informatics standards activities in which the American Dental Association (ADA) actively participates. The article concludes by providing the dentist a perspective on how to relate these capabilities to his/her individual practice setting.

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