Privacy Policy
We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information.
Last Updated: January 1, 2024
This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit our website or use our services.
1 Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly to us, such as when you:
- Schedule an appointment through our website
- Contact us via phone, email, or contact forms
- Subscribe to our newsletter or blog updates
- Participate in surveys or feedback forms
- Create an account on our patient portal
Personal Information
This may include:
- Name, address, phone number, and email address
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Insurance information and payment details
- Medical and dental history
- Treatment preferences and appointment history
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address and browser information
- Pages visited and time spent on our site
- Referring website and search terms used
- Device type and operating system
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
2 How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
Healthcare Services
- Providing dental care and treatment
- Scheduling and managing appointments
- Maintaining medical records and treatment history
- Coordinating care with other healthcare providers
- Processing insurance claims and payments
Communication
- Responding to your inquiries and requests
- Sending appointment reminders and confirmations
- Providing treatment updates and follow-up care instructions
- Sharing educational content and health tips
- Sending newsletters and practice updates (with your consent)
Website Improvement
- Analyzing website usage and performance
- Improving user experience and functionality
- Personalizing content and recommendations
- Preventing fraud and ensuring security
3 Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:
Healthcare Operations
- With other healthcare providers involved in your care
- With insurance companies for claims processing
- With dental laboratories for treatment planning
- With specialists for referrals and consultations
Service Providers
- Payment processors for billing and transactions
- IT service providers for data storage and security
- Appointment scheduling platforms
- Email and communication service providers
Legal Requirements
- When required by law or legal process
- To protect our rights and property
- In case of medical emergencies
- For public health and safety purposes
4 Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against:
- Unauthorized access, use, or disclosure
- Accidental loss or destruction
- Malicious attacks and data breaches
- Improper alteration or corruption
Security Measures Include:
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure servers and firewalls
- Regular security audits and updates
- Access controls and user authentication
- Employee training on data protection
- HIPAA-compliant data handling procedures
While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
5 Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Access and Correction
- Request access to your personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Update your contact preferences
- Review your medical records (subject to applicable laws)
Communication Preferences
- Opt out of marketing communications
- Unsubscribe from newsletters and promotional emails
- Choose your preferred communication methods
- Set appointment reminder preferences
Data Portability and Deletion
- Request a copy of your information in a portable format
- Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
- Transfer your records to another healthcare provider
To exercise your rights, contact us:
- Email: privacy@dentalcare.com
- Phone: (123) 456-7890
- Mail: 123 Dental Street, Healthcare City, HC 12345
6 Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience:
Types of Cookies We Use:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Performance Cookies: Help us analyze website usage
- Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences
- Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (with consent)
Managing Cookies:
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.
7 Third-Party Links and Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
Third-Party Services We May Use:
- Google Analytics for website analytics
- Social media platforms for content sharing
- Payment processors for online transactions
- Appointment scheduling platforms
- Email marketing services
8 Children's Privacy
We are committed to protecting the privacy of children. Our website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.
For pediatric patients, we obtain appropriate consent from parents or guardians before collecting, using, or disclosing any personal information.
9 HIPAA Compliance
As a healthcare provider, we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable healthcare privacy laws.
Your protected health information (PHI) is subject to additional protections under HIPAA. You have specific rights regarding your PHI, including:
- Right to access your medical records
- Right to request amendments to your records
- Right to request restrictions on use and disclosure
- Right to request confidential communications
- Right to file a complaint
For more information about your HIPAA rights, please request a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices.
10 Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will:
- Post the updated policy on our website
- Update the "Last Updated" date
- Notify you of material changes via email or website notice
- Obtain your consent for significant changes affecting your rights
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
11 Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
Privacy Officer
- Email: privacy@dentalcare.com
- Phone: (123) 456-7890
- Address: 123 Dental Street, Healthcare City, HC 12345
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
HIPAA Compliance Officer
- Email: hipaa@dentalcare.com
- Phone: (123) 456-7891
Our Privacy Commitment
Your privacy and trust are fundamental to our practice. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of data protection and transparency.