Just wondering what if any penalty there is. To the Dentist and the Hygienist?

There is no HIPAA violation if nobody else (as in unauthorised people) see's the records. Records are stored at other locations on a regular basis. We would need more info as to under what circumstances the records were taken off site, and for what reason.

The penalties for HIPAA violations are fines or maybe lesser disciplinary actions. Removing a patient record from the premises without permission would be a violation.

Where they suppose to take it, are they contract workers who keep their own files ?

Where they taking them home with permission to do reports at home?

Just taking them is not a violation, but why and with or without permission makes a difference