Privacy Policy

The Dental Center (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (https://dentalcenterofidaho.com) or communicate with us, including through SMS text messaging.

Information We Collect
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Appointment information
- Communication preferences

We may also collect non-personal data such as browser type, device, and website usage data.

How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Schedule and confirm appointments
- Communicate via email, phone, or SMS (text message)
- Provide dental services and follow-upsImprove our website and patient experience
- Comply with legal obligations

SMS/Text Messaging
By providing your mobile number, you consent to receive SMS messages from The Dental Center regarding appointments, reminders, and important updates. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message.

Sharing of Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data with:
- Service providers who help us operate our practice
- Regulatory or legal authorities if required by law

Data Security
We take reasonable precautions to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or mobile networks is 100% secure.

Your Choices
You may opt out of:
- Marketing emails by using the unsubscribe link in the email
- Text messages by replying STOP
- Phone calls by letting us know your preferences

To update or delete your information, contact us at:
info@dentalcenterofidaho.com

HIPAA STATEMENT OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

This statement of privacy practices describes how dental information about you may be disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please read carefully.

Our practice collects and maintains a record of the health care services we provide you. In keeping with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and current state regulations, we are dedicated to protecting your rights of privacy and the confidential information entrusted to us.

The commitment of each employee to ensure that your health information is never compromised is a principal concept of our practice. We will not disclose your protected health information unless you direct or authorize us to do so or unless it is otherwise allowed or required by law. We may amend our privacy policies and practices from time to time and will inform you of any changes that might affect your rights.

You may review your record or request additional information. You may also request copies of your record or request corrections to your record.

OVERVIEW

Our Statement of Privacy Practices explains how protected health information may be used and disclosed by our practice and our employees. This applies whenever individually identifiable health information is collected and services are provided.

This Statement:

• Defines your rights and our obligations when using your health information
• Explains how your protected health information is used and disclosed
• Describes laws that provide special protections
• Explains how changes to this statement will be communicated

You have the right to:

• Request restricted use of your health information
• Request non-disclosure to your health plan for services you self-pay in full
• Request alternate communication methods
• Review and receive copies of your health record
• Request corrections or amendments
• Request an accounting of disclosures
• File privacy complaints
• Direct us not to share information with family members
• Request removal from facility directories
• Be informed of regulations that may be more restrictive than HIPAA

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI)

Protected Health Information may include your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, employment data, dental history, health records, and other personal identifying information unique to you.

We limit collection of personal information to what is necessary to provide quality care, process payments, and perform standard healthcare operations. Regardless of where information comes from, it will be protected to the fullest extent of the law.

PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

We use and disclose your information only as allowed by HIPAA and state regulations. This includes treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. Your information will not be disclosed to others without written consent unless required by law.

Your information may be used as part of your health or dental record to:

• Support communication among healthcare providers
• Serve as a legal record of care provided
• Verify services billed
• Support education and research
• Support public health reporting
• Support facility planning and quality improvement
• Ensure record accuracy
• Support informed disclosure decisions

PHI USE AND DISCLOSURE WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION

We may use or disclose PHI without authorization for:

Treatment
Payment
Healthcare Operations
Staff Training
Appointment Reminders
Health-Related Communications
Business Associate Operations

ADDITIONAL USES AND DISCLOSURES

We may disclose information when required for:

• Public health reporting
• Government audits and oversight
• Workers compensation
• Abuse or neglect investigations
• Preventing serious health or safety threats
• Organ donation coordination
• Law enforcement or court orders
• National security requirements
• Military command requirements

DISCLOSURES REQUIRING AUTHORIZATION

Except as described above, we will not use or disclose your protected health information without written authorization. Authorization may be revoked unless disclosure has already occurred or is required by law.

ADDITIONAL PROTECTION

Additional protections may apply to:

• Substance use treatment records
• Mental health records
• HIV/AIDS information
• Sexually transmitted disease information

YOUR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS

You have the right to:

• Request restrictions on use or disclosure
• Request confidential communications
• Inspect and receive copies of records
• Request amendments
• Receive disclosure history reports
• File privacy complaints

You may also contact:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
2201 Sixth Avenue – Mail Stop RX-11
Seattle, WA 98121-1831
Phone: 206-615-2290
Toll Free: 1-800-362-1710

BREACH NOTIFICATION

If your information is used or disclosed improperly, we will investigate and notify you and appropriate regulatory agencies if required.

PRIVACY NOTICE CHANGES

We reserve the right to update this statement. Updated versions will be available in our office and on our website.

Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:
‍
The Dental Center
2355 American Legion Blvd.
Mountain Home, ID 83647
(208) 587-7949
info@dentalcenterofidaho.com