Privacy Policy/SMS consent

Maine Emergency Dentist – SMS Privacy Policy

   Effective Date: 09/01/2025

Maine Emergency Dentist (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This SMS Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you opt in to receive text messages from us.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

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

• Your mobile phone number 
• Your name, appointment information, or service details (if applicable)
• Any information you voluntarily share via text messages 

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Send appointment reminders and confirmations 
• Provide emergency updates or schedule changes 
• Share oral health tips or limited promotional messages (with your explicit consent) 

Message frequency: Varies by interaction. Message and data rates may apply.

3. Consent and Opt-In

By providing your phone number and opting in, you consent to receive SMS messages from Maine Emergency Dentist at the number provided.
Consent to receive texts is not required for treatment or purchase.

You may opt in by:

• Checking a consent box on our website or intake form
• Texting a keyword (e.g., “JOIN”) to our number
• Providing verbal consent in person or over the phone

4. Opting Out

You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any text message. After opting out, you’ll receive one final message confirming your choice.
To request assistance, reply HELP or contact us at:
📞 2007-910-2646

5. Data Privacy and Security

We use secure systems and encryption protocols to protect your personal information.
We do not sell or rent your SMS data. We only share your information with trusted vendors who help us send text messages and who must keep it secure and confidential.

6. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. The latest version will always be available on our website with a new effective date.

7. Contact Us

If you have questions about this policy or your privacy rights, please contact:

Maine Emergency Dentist
📍 23 Water Street Saco Maine 04072
📞 207-910-2646
📧 my911dentist@gmail.com

 Maine Emergency Dentist – HIPAA Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 09/01/2025

1. Purpose and Commitment

Maine Emergency Dentist (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and the security of your personal health information. This Notice describes how we may use and disclose your Protected Health Information (PHI) under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and how you can access and control that information.

2. Your Protected Health Information

“Protected Health Information” (PHI) includes any information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or dental health or condition, the provision of dental care, or payment for that care.

Examples of PHI include:

• Your name, address, phone number, or date of birth
• Your dental records, x-rays, and treatment notes
• Insurance and billing information

 3. How We May Use and Disclose Your PHI

We are permitted by law to use and disclose your PHI in the following ways:

a. Treatment

We may use or share your PHI with dentists, hygienists, specialists, labs, or pharmacies involved in your care.

b. Payment

We may use or disclose your PHI to obtain payment for services, confirm insurance coverage, or coordinate benefits.

c. Healthcare Operations

We may use your PHI for quality assurance, staff training, licensing, accreditation, and other administrative purposes.

d. Appointment Reminders and Notifications

We may contact you by phone, voicemail, email, or text (SMS) with appointment reminders or information about treatment options. You may opt out of these communications at any time.

e. As Required by Law

We may disclose PHI when required to do so by federal, state, or local law, such as for public health reporting, law enforcement, or legal proceedings.

4. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Authorization

Any use or disclosure of your PHI not described above requires your written authorization.
Examples include:

• Marketing communications
• Sharing information with non-affiliated third parties
• Release of records to attorneys or employers (except as required by law)

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

5. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

You have the right to:

• Access and obtain a copy of your dental records.
• Request an amendment to your PHI if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete.
• Request restrictions on how we use or share your PHI (though we are not always required to agree).
• Request confidential communications through alternative contact methods.
• Receive an accounting of disclosures of your PHI made for purposes other than treatment, payment, or operations.
• Obtain a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you’ve agreed to receive it electronically.

Requests should be submitted in writing to our Privacy Officer (see contact information below).

6. Our Responsibilities

• We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your PHI.
• We will notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised your information.
• We must follow the duties and privacy practices described in this Notice.
• We will not use or disclose your PHI for any reason not described in this Notice without your authorization.

7. Changes to This Notice

We may update this Notice at any time. Any changes will apply to all PHI we maintain, and the revised Notice will be posted in our office and on our website with a new effective date.

8. Questions or Complaints

If you have questions about this Notice or believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may contact:

Privacy Officer
Maine Emergency Dentist
📍 23 Water Street Saco Maine 04072
📞 207-910-2646
📧 my911dentist@gmail.com

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

9. Acknowledgment of Receipt

Patients will be asked to acknowledge receipt of this HIPAA Privacy Policy at their first visit or electronically through our online forms.