política de privacidad

Effective Date: June 28, 2025
Last Updated: June 28, 2025
 

Introduction

Summit Smiles Dental ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website summitsmilestx.com and receive dental services at our practice.
 

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

Patient Information:

• Name, address, phone number, email address

• Date of birth and emergency contact information

• Social Security number for billing and insurance purposes

• Insurance information and payment details

• Medical and dental history

• Treatment records and clinical notes

• Digital images, X-rays, and other diagnostic materials

Website Information:

• IP address and browser information

• Pages visited and time spent on our site

• Referring website information

• Device information (computer, mobile device type)
   

Information Collection Methods

We collect information through:

• Patient registration forms and health questionnaires

• Direct communication (phone calls, emails, in-person consultations)

• Website contact forms and appointment scheduling

• Cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website

• Insurance verification processes
   

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

Healthcare Services:

• Providing dental treatment and patient care

• Maintaining accurate medical and dental records

• Coordinating care with other healthcare providers

• Scheduling appointments and sending reminders

• Processing insurance claims and billing

Communication:

• Responding to your inquiries and requests

• Sending appointment confirmations and reminders

• Providing treatment updates and follow-up care information

• Sharing oral health education and practice updates (with your consent)

Legal and Administrative:

• Complying with healthcare regulations and legal requirements

• Protecting our legal rights and interests

• Improving our services and website functionality
   

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Healthcare Related:

• With other healthcare providers involved in your care (with your consent)

• With insurance companies for claim processing and verification

• With dental laboratories for treatment purposes

Legal Requirements:

• When required by law or court order

• To protect the safety and rights of patients, staff, or the public

• In response to lawful requests from public authorities

Business Operations:

• With trusted service providers who assist with our operations (billing services, IT support)

• In connection with a business transfer or sale (with patient notification)

We will never sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
 

HIPAA Compliance

As a healthcare provider, we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). You have specific rights regarding your protected health information (PHI):

• Right to access your medical records

• Right to request amendments to your records

• Right to request restrictions on use or disclosure

• Right to request confidential communications

• Right to file a complaint regarding privacy practices

For detailed information about your HIPAA rights, please request our Notice of Privacy Practices.
 

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information:

Technical Safeguards:

• Encrypted data transmission and storage

• Secure servers and firewalls

• Regular security updates and monitoring

• Access controls and user authentication

Administrative Safeguards:

• Staff training on privacy and security practices

• Policies and procedures for handling patient information

• Regular security risk assessments

• Business associate agreements with third-party vendors

Physical Safeguards:

• Secure facilities with restricted access

• Locked filing cabinets for paper records

• Secure disposal of confidential information
   

Website Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies:

Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality and security Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.
 

Children's Privacy

We are committed to protecting children's privacy. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website without parental consent. For pediatric patients, we collect necessary medical information with appropriate parental/guardian consent.
 

Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request copies of your personal information

• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information

• Restriction: Request limitations on how we use your information

• Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal and medical record retention requirements)

• Portability: Request transfer of your information to another provider

• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.
 

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for the following periods:

• Medical Records: As required by Texas law and professional standards (typically 7-10 years)

• Financial Records: As required for billing and tax purposes

• Website Data: For as long as necessary to provide services and comply with legal obligations
   

International Data Transfers

Your information is primarily stored and processed in the United States. If information is transferred internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
 

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website

• Sending notification to your registered email address

• Providing notice during your next visit to our office
   

Contact Information

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

Summit Smiles Dental
5605 Richmond Ave
Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: (214) 824-2501
Email: office@summitsmilestx.com

Privacy Officer: Dr. Artem Nureyev
HIPAA Compliance Officer: Dr. Artem Nureyev
 

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

• Summit Smiles Dental (contact information above)

• Texas State Board of Dental Examiners

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.