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HIPAA Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL AND DENTAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Cheek Dental understands the importance of protecting your health information and is committed to maintaining the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI). We create and maintain records of the care and services we provide to you and may receive records from other healthcare providers. These records are used to provide care, coordinate treatment, obtain payment, and meet our professional and legal obligations.

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

  • Notify you following a breach of unsecured protected health information

This Notice explains how Cheek Dental may use and disclose your health information, your rights regarding that information, and our legal responsibilities.

If you have questions about this Notice, please contact Cheek Dental using the information provided on our Contact page.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • How Cheek Dental May Use or Disclose Your Health Information

  • When Cheek Dental May Not Use or Disclose Your Health Information

  • Your Health Information Rights

  • Changes to This Notice

  • Complaints

A. How Cheek Dental May Use or Disclose Your Health Information

Your dental and medical record is the physical and electronic documentation of your care and is the property of Cheek Dental; however, the information within the record belongs to you. Federal and state law permit us to use and disclose your health information for the following purposes:

Treatment

We use your health information to provide dental and healthcare services. This may include sharing information with dentists, physicians, specialists, laboratories, pharmacies, or other healthcare providers involved in your care, including referral-based care when services are not provided in our office.

Payment

We may use and disclose your health information to obtain payment for services provided. This may include sharing information with your dental or medical insurance plan or other responsible parties.

Health Care Operations

We may use and disclose health information to support the operation of Cheek Dental, including quality improvement activities, staff training, credentialing, audits, legal services, compliance programs, and business management. We may also share information with business associates (such as billing services) who are contractually required to protect your information.

Appointment Reminders

We may contact you to remind you of scheduled appointments or follow-up care. Messages may be left by voicemail or with another person unless you request otherwise.

Sign-In and Office Communication

We may ask you to sign in upon arrival or call your name when it is time for your appointment.

Communication with Family or Caregivers

With your permission—or when permitted by law—we may share limited health information with family members or others involved in your care or payment for care. In emergency or disaster situations, we may disclose information to assist with notification efforts.

Marketing and Health-Related Communications

We may provide information related to your treatment, care coordination, or services offered by Cheek Dental. We will not sell your health information or use it for marketing purposes requiring authorization without your written consent.

Required by Law & Public Health

We may disclose health information when required by law, including for public health reporting, abuse or neglect reporting, health oversight activities, judicial proceedings, or law enforcement purposes.

Other Permitted Disclosures

We may disclose information for:

  • Health oversight activities

  • Judicial or administrative proceedings

  • Law enforcement purposes

  • Coroners or medical examiners

  • Organ or tissue donation

  • Public safety concerns

  • Proof of immunization (with authorization)

  • Specialized government functions

  • Workers’ compensation

  • Practice ownership changes (your rights remain protected)

Breach Notification

If a breach of unsecured protected health information occurs, we will notify you as required by law.

B. When Cheek Dental May Not Use or Disclose Your Health Information

Except as described in this Notice, Cheek Dental will not use or disclose your health information without your written authorization. You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing.

C. Your Health Information Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures

  • Request confidential communications

  • Inspect and obtain copies of your health records (fees may apply)

  • Request amendments to your records

  • Receive an accounting of disclosures

  • Obtain a paper or electronic copy of this Notice

To exercise any of these rights, please contact Cheek Dental using the information on our Contact page.

D. Changes to This Notice

Cheek Dental reserves the right to amend this Notice at any time. Any revised Notice will apply to all protected health information we maintain. The current Notice will be posted in our office and on our website.

E. Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Cheek Dental without fear of retaliation. Complaints may be submitted using the contact information on our website.

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights:

You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.