OUR HIPAA Privacy Notice

HIPAA Privacy Notice

Effective Date: June 11, 2026

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

GDG Smiles is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your health information. This Notice describes how we may use and disclose your Protected Health Information (“PHI”), your rights regarding your health information, and our legal obligations under applicable federal and state privacy laws.

Who Will Follow This Notice?

This Notice applies to GDG Smiles and all members of our workforce, including dentists, hygienists, assistants, administrative staff, contractors, and business associates who may have access to your protected health information while providing services on behalf of our practice.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

We understand that your health and dental information is personal. We are committed to safeguarding your protected health information and maintaining the confidentiality of your records.

We are required by law to:

Maintain the privacy of your protected health information.
Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.
* Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect.
* Notify you if a breach occurs that may compromise the privacy or security of your information.

How We May Use and Disclose Your Information

Treatment

We may use and disclose your health information to provide, coordinate, and manage your dental care.

Examples include:

Reviewing your dental and medical history.
Consulting with specialists or other healthcare providers.
* Referring you to another provider for additional treatment.
* Coordinating laboratory work, imaging, and other services related to your care.

Payment

We may use and disclose your information to obtain payment for services provided.

Examples include:

Verifying insurance coverage.
Processing insurance claims.
* Obtaining pre-authorizations.
* Coordinating payment arrangements.
* Working with financing providers selected by the patient.

Healthcare Operations

We may use and disclose your information for business and operational purposes, including:

Quality assessment and improvement activities.
Staff training and education.
* Licensing and accreditation activities.
* Audits and compliance reviews.
* Administrative and business management functions.

Appointment Reminders and Communications

We may contact you regarding:

Appointment reminders
Follow-up care
* Treatment recommendations
* Laboratory updates
* Billing matters
* Practice-related communications

These communications may be made by phone, voicemail, text message, email, patient portal, or mail using the contact information you provide.

Individuals Involved in Your Care

Unless you object, we may share relevant information with a family member, friend, caregiver, or other individual involved in your care or payment for your care when appropriate.

Emergencies

In emergency situations, we may use or disclose your information when necessary to provide treatment or protect your health and safety.

As Required by Law

We may disclose your health information when required by federal, state, or local law, including:

Public health reporting
Court orders
* Law enforcement requests
* Government audits and investigations
* Workers’ compensation matters
* Regulatory compliance requirements

Uses Requiring Your Written Authorization

Certain uses and disclosures require your written authorization.

Unless otherwise permitted by law, we will obtain your authorization before:

Using your information for marketing purposes.
Selling protected health information.
* Certain disclosures not otherwise described in this Notice.

You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing, except to the extent action has already been taken based on your authorization.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

Right to Access

You have the right to inspect and obtain copies of your health records, subject to certain legal limitations.

Right to Request Corrections

If you believe information in your records is incorrect or incomplete, you may request that we amend the information.

Right to Request Restrictions

You may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your information. While we will consider all requests, we are not required to agree to every restriction.

Right to Confidential Communications

You may request that we communicate with you through specific methods or at specific locations.

Right to Receive a Copy of This Notice

You have the right to receive a paper or electronic copy of this Notice at any time.

Right to Receive an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of certain disclosures of your protected health information made by our practice.

Right to File a Complaint

You have the right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

You may file a complaint directly with GDG Smiles.

You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

Our Responsibilities

GDG Smiles is required to:

Protect the privacy of your health information.
Provide this Notice.
* Abide by the terms of this Notice.
* Notify affected individuals following a reportable breach.
* Comply with applicable privacy and security regulations.

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to revise this Notice at any time. Any revised Notice will apply to all information maintained by our practice and will be made available in our office and on our website.

By receiving treatment at GDG Smiles, you acknowledge that this Notice of Privacy Practices has been made available to you.

Contact Information

If you have questions regarding this Notice or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact our office.