Important Disclaimer for House of Smiles

Protecting your family’s privacy and personal information is one of our top priorities at House of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. We understand you entrust us with sensitive details about your child’s health and personal information, and we take this responsibility seriously. Your trust is the foundation of our patient relationships, and we are committed to safeguarding your privacy at every step of your child’s dental care journey.

Our pediatric dental team follows strict privacy protocols and complies with all applicable federal and state regulations to ensure your information remains secure. We are dedicated to transparency in how we collect, use, and protect your family’s information. This privacy policy outlines our practices and your rights regarding the information we collect and maintain about you and your child.

Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide excellent pediatric dental care for your child. Personal information includes your child’s name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address. We also collect detailed dental and medical history, including previous treatments, current medications, allergies, and any special medical conditions that may affect your child’s dental care. Insurance information is gathered to process claims and verify coverage for your child’s treatments. We collect billing information, including payment methods and financial assistance details if applicable. During your child’s visits, we document clinical notes, treatment plans, digital images, and X-rays as part of their comprehensive dental record. We may also collect information about your preferences for appointment reminders, communication methods, and treatment options. Photos and videos may be taken for treatment documentation or with your consent for educational purposes. Any information collected through our website, including contact forms and appointment requests, is also maintained according to this privacy policy.

How We Use Your Information

The primary purpose of collecting your information is to provide comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic care for your child. We use personal and medical information to develop treatment plans tailored to your child’s specific needs. Your contact information allows us to schedule appointments, send reminders, and communicate important information about your child’s care. Insurance details help us verify coverage, process claims, and discuss treatment costs with you. We use billing information to process payments and work with you on financial arrangements when needed. Clinical information guides our treatment decisions and helps us monitor your child’s progress over time. We may use your information to improve our services and patient experience. This includes analyzing appointment patterns to optimize scheduling and reviewing treatment outcomes to enhance our care quality. Your feedback and preferences help us customize our services to better serve families in our community. With your consent, we may contact you about additional services, preventive care reminders, or educational information relevant to your child’s oral health. We may also use aggregated, non-identifying information for quality improvement and research purposes.

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We maintain strict confidentiality regarding your child’s information and only share it when necessary for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. We may share information with dental consultants or orthodontists when referrals are needed for your child’s care. Insurance companies receive necessary information to process claims and verify coverage. Healthcare professionals involved in your child’s care, such as pediatricians or other medical consultants, may receive relevant dental information when it impacts overall health management. Laboratory services and imaging facilities receive only the minimum information necessary to complete requested services for your child. We may disclose information when required by law, such as for public health reporting, court orders, or regulatory compliance. In emergency situations, we may share necessary medical information with emergency responders or hospitals to ensure your child receives appropriate care. Business associates who provide services to our practice, such as billing companies or IT support, may access limited information under strict confidentiality agreements. We never sell or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Website Privacy and Security

Our website uses secure encryption technology to protect information transmitted online. When you complete contact forms or request appointments through our website, your information is encrypted during transmission. We use secure servers and regularly update our security measures to protect against unauthorized access. Cookies and similar technologies may be used to improve your website experience and understand how visitors use our site. These tools help us optimize our content and ensure our website functions properly across different devices and browsers. You can adjust your browser settings to control cookie preferences. Our website may include links to external sites, such as dental education resources or insurance providers. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

Your Privacy Rights

You have important rights regarding your personal and medical information. You can request to review or obtain copies of your child’s dental records, though some limitations may apply. If you believe any information in your records is incorrect, you may request corrections or amendments. You can request restrictions on how we use or share your child’s information, though we may not be able to honor all requests if they interfere with providing proper care. You have the right to request confidential communications, such as receiving appointment reminders at a specific phone number or email address. If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with our practice or with the Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a privacy complaint. You may also request an accounting of certain disclosures we have made regarding your child’s information.

Data Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your family’s information. Physical records are stored in locked filing systems with limited access. Digital records are protected by password-secured systems with regular security updates and monitoring. Our staff receives regular training on privacy and security requirements. We conduct background checks on employees who handle sensitive information and require confidentiality agreements. Regular security assessments help us identify and address potential vulnerabilities. We maintain data backup systems to ensure information remains available and secure. When disposing of records or equipment, we use appropriate destruction methods to prevent unauthorized access to your information.

Contact Information and Policy Updates

This privacy policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post updates on our website and notify you of significant changes during your visits. The effective date of any changes will be clearly indicated. If you have questions about our privacy practices or want to exercise your privacy rights, please contact our office directly. Our team is trained to handle privacy concerns and can help you understand your rights and our policies.

Protecting Your Family’s Privacy

At House of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, safeguarding your family’s privacy is integral to providing exceptional pediatric dental care. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality while delivering the comprehensive, compassionate treatment your child deserves. Our experienced team combines advanced dental techniques with strict privacy protections to create a secure, comfortable environment for every family we serve. Trust our pediatric dental professionals to protect your privacy while helping your child achieve optimal oral health. Schedule your appointment with House of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today by calling us or completing our contact form to experience our commitment to privacy and exceptional pediatric dental care.

Privacy Policy Update

House of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics (“we,” “us,” “our”) is committed to respecting and protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and share information when you opt in to receive SMS messages from us.

Information We Collect

When you opt-in to receive SMS messages, we collect:

Your phone number
Consent to send SMS messages

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Send you the SMS messages you’ve opted to receive
Provide updates, promotions, or other relevant content based on your preferences

Sharing Your Information

We do not share your phone number or SMS opt-in information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Your Rights

You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying with “STOP” to any message we send you.

Data Security

We implement reasonable measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access or disclosure.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about our privacy practices, contact us at 281-727-0511 or info@houseofsmileshtx.com.