> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dentolize.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How do I delete a duplicate or wrong patient file?

> Delete a patient file created by mistake, or archive one that already has records.

**Short answer:** open the patient, click **Edit Patient**, then **Delete/Archive**: a file with no records is deleted, and a file with records is archived.

**1. Open the patient file**

Search for the patient at the top of the page and open the file you want to remove.

**2. Click Edit Patient**

On the patient profile, click **Edit Patient** (or the pencil in the patients list).

**3. Click Delete/Archive**

If the patient has no records (no appointments, invoices, files…), the file is **deleted permanently**.

**4. Files with records are archived**

The patient is hidden and appears only in **Logs → Archived Patients**, where you can click **Enable** to bring them back.

> [!WARNING]
>
> No **Delete/Archive** button? Your permission group needs **Delete / Disable / Merge** on the **Details** row of the **Patients** tab. Ask the clinic owner. See [Give a user a missing permission](https://docs.dentolize.com/en/faq/missing-permission.md).

> [!TIP]
>
> Is it a duplicate of a patient who already has appointments or invoices? **Merge** the two files instead, so nothing is lost. See [Merge duplicate patient files](https://docs.dentolize.com/en/faq/merge-patients.md).

**Full guide:** [Patients file search and edit](https://docs.dentolize.com/en/reception/px-search.md)

***

> [card] Still stuck?
>
> Send us a message in **System Chat** inside Dentolize with a screenshot, and tell us which step didn't work. Tip: next time, search this site first. Most answers take less than a minute.


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