Under which circumstance can a dentist deny a patient's request to amend the record?

The correct answer emphasizes that a dentist can deny a patient's request to amend the record if the information proposed by the patient is already accurate and complete. This aligns with the principles of maintaining accurate and factual dental records. When a patient requests a change, it is essential for the dentist to ensure that the integrity of the record is maintained. If the information is correct as it stands, there is no basis for amending it.

In the context of dental law and ethics, the accuracy of health records is paramount, and changes should only be made if they enhance the truthfulness of the documentation or correct errors. Thus, if no misinformation exists in the records as they are currently documented, the request for amendment can reasonably be denied.

The other choices present scenarios where amending the record may not be justified. Approval by the dentist is essential, but it cannot be the sole reason for denial if the information is already accurate. Similarly, whether the patient provides reasons for the amendment request or whether the request is verbal does not intrinsically justify denying the request if the information is incorrect or incomplete. Therefore, the integrity of the records remains the overriding factor in determining if an amendment is appropriate.