Privacy Policy

Dennis Dental Care
NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
Effective Date: 1/20/2026

This Notice of Privacy Practices ("Notice") describes how your protected health information (PHI) may be used and disclosed by Dennis Dental Care (the "Practice") in Ohio and how you can access and control this information. This Notice applies to all records of your care created or maintained by our Practice.

1. OUR LEGAL DUTIES

Dennis Dental Care is required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), as amended, and applicable Ohio law to: (1) maintain the privacy and security of your PHI; (2) provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices; and (3) abide by the terms of the Notice currently in effect.

2. DEFINITIONS

"Protected Health Information (PHI)" means individually identifiable information relating to your past, present, or future physical or mental health, the provision of health care to you, or payment for that care, maintained by Dennis Dental Care.

3. PERMITTED USES AND DISCLOSURES OF PHI

Treatment. Dennis Dental Care may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your dental care and related services, including consultation with other health care providers.

Payment. Dennis Dental Care may use and disclose PHI to obtain payment for services, including billing your insurance carrier, verifying coverage, and resolving claims.

Health Care Operations. Dennis Dental Care may use and disclose PHI for activities necessary to run our Practice, such as quality assessment, staff training, credentialing, and compliance.

4. SPECIAL PROTECTIONS FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RECORDS

Records related to substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis, treatment, or referral may be subject to additional federal confidentiality protections under 42 CFR Part 2. To the extent Dennis Dental Care creates, receives, or maintains such records:

Permitted exceptions may include bona fide medical emergencies, disclosures required by court order, or disclosures mandated by law.

Part 2-protected records generally may not be used in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings against you without your written authorization or a valid court order.

5. PROTECTIONS FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INFORMATION

PHI related to reproductive health care—including contraception, fertility services, prenatal care, pregnancy loss, abortion, or related counseling—is protected under HIPAA.

Dennis Dental Care will not disclose reproductive health information to law enforcement, investigators, or third parties without your written authorization unless a specific legal requirement applies (for example, a valid court order or other mandatory reporting obligation).

6. OTHER DISCLOSURES PERMITTED BY LAW

Dennis Dental Care may disclose PHI without your authorization when required or permitted by law, including for: public health activities; reporting abuse, neglect, or domestic violence; health oversight activities; judicial and administrative proceedings; law enforcement under limited circumstances; and serious threats to health or safety.

7. USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRING YOUR AUTHORIZATION

Dennis Dental Care will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your PHI for purposes not described in this Notice, including marketing, sale of PHI, or most disclosures of psychotherapy notes.

You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time, except to the extent we have already relied on it.

8. YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR PHI

Right of Access. You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI maintained by Dennis Dental Care, subject to limited exceptions.

Right to Amend. You may request correction or amendment of your records if you believe they are inaccurate or incomplete.

Right to Request Restrictions. You may ask Dennis Dental Care to limit certain uses or disclosures of your PHI; we are not always required to agree, except in limited payment situations.

Right to Confidential Communications. You may request that we contact you in a specific way or at a specific location.

Right to a Paper Copy. You may obtain a paper copy of this Notice at any time.

9. CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE

Dennis Dental Care reserves the right to change this Notice. Any revised Notice will apply to all PHI we maintain. Updated versions will be posted in our office and on our website.

10. COMPLAINTS

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Dennis Dental Care's Privacy Officer or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.

11. CONTACT INFORMATION

Dennis Dental Care – Privacy Officer: Gina Dennis
Phone: 330-628-0066
Email: info@dennisdentalcare.com