Privacy policy

Introduction

Dobson Ranch Family Dentistry ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of our patients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at www.dobsonranchdentistry.com or receive dental services at our practice.

Information we collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal information: Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address, and emergency contact details provided when you register as a patient or fill out forms on our website.
• Health information: Dental and medical history, treatment records, X-rays, insurance information, and other protected health information (PHI) as defined by HIPAA.
• Website usage data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and other analytical data collected through cookies and similar technologies.
• Payment information: Credit card or payment details processed through our secure payment systems.

How we use your information

• Provide, maintain, and improve our dental services
• Schedule and confirm appointments
• Process payments and insurance claims
• Send appointment reminders and follow-up communications
• Respond to your inquiries and requests
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Improve our website and patient experience

SMS consent and messaging

Patients provide written consent to receive text messages during initial intake at our dental office. On the new patient registration form (paper in office or electronic through the patient portal), patients provide a mobile phone number and check a box explicitly agreeing to receive text messages from our practice.

Consent language presented to patients states: "I agree to receive text messages from Dobson Ranch Family Dentistry regarding appointment reminders, billing notifications, one-time passwords, and care-related communications. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for help."

• Patients may also opt in by texting START to our practice number.
• Consent is optional and is not a condition of receiving dental care.
• Patients may revoke consent at any time by replying STOP, calling our office, or updating communication preferences in the patient portal.
• We do not sell or share mobile numbers or SMS consent with third parties or affiliates for their marketing purposes.

HIPAA compliance

As a dental practice, we are required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your protected health information (PHI) is handled in accordance with HIPAA's Privacy Rule and Security Rule. We maintain appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your PHI. A separate Notice of Privacy Practices is available at our office and describes your rights regarding your health information in greater detail.

Disclosure of your information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Treatment purposes: With other healthcare providers involved in your care, such as specialists or laboratories.
• Payment: With insurance companies and third-party billing services to process claims.
• Legal requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal process.
• Service providers: With trusted third parties who help us operate our website and practice (e.g., appointment scheduling software, email services), subject to confidentiality obligations.

Cookies and tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website traffic. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit certain features of our website.

Data security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal and health information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to the personal and health information we hold about you
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your PHI
• Receive a copy of your health records
• File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

Children's privacy

We provide dental services to patients of all ages. For patients under 18, we collect information from a parent or legal guardian. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through our website without parental consent.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us: