Final answer:
Original radiographs should always be kept in the dental office as part of the patient's records, to assist in dental diagnoses and treatment plans, and to comply with patient privacy regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question asks about the proper protocol for storing original radiographs in a dental office. The answer is that original radiographs should always be kept in the dental office. These radiographic images constitute a part of a patient's dental records and are critical for diagnosing, planning treatments, and monitoring the progress of dental conditions over time. Keeping these radiographs on site allows for ready access by the dental professionals when needed. It is important to note that dental offices must also comply with regulations regarding the privacy and security of patient records, which includes radiographs.