Copy of notes denied from Dentist

I'm trying to get a copy of notes and/or the x-ray from my last visit to the dentist. I've been informed by the practice manager that the NHS owns them and that I cannot have a copy. I work for the NHS myself and am pretty sure that this is not true. I've put in a phonecall to NHS Direct to review the policy with them, but it's been three days and they haven't phoned back. Does anyone know what the policy is re. dentists?

I was under the impression you could have any medical notes you wanted from the NHS but that you are likely to have to pay for your copy. I know I can get my hospital notes when I want them, but I haven't asked a dentist yet. Seems a bit odd to me that they are flat out refusing.

Just found this:

http://www.ico.gov.uk/Home/for_the_public/topic_specific_guides/health.aspx

You can have a copy of your records, certainly- they have to let you have one under the Data Protection Act.  They might charge you for making copies, but you are entitled to see your own medical records.

Sounds to me like the Practice Manager is sadly misinformed or just can't be bothered!!

I requested my son's x-ray from his dentist here in the UK to take back to the US and they gave it to me.  It was a private dentist though, not NHS.  They were reluctant to give it to me but were persuaded in the end, because I said we were changing dentists and did not want to have to retake another x-ray so soon.