Effective Date: January 20th, 2026

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

At D&FD, we understand that dental care involves a high level of trust. That trust extends to how we handle your personal and medical information. We are committed to protecting your privacy in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

This document outlines how your Protected Health Information (PHI)—which includes your dental history, demographic data, and payment records—is utilized within our practice and shared with authorized third parties.

1. How We Use and Disclose Your Health Information

We use your data primarily to ensure you receive excellent care and to manage the administrative side of our clinic.

1. Standard Operations (No Specific Permission Required)

1. For Your Treatment: We use your dental records to diagnose and treat you. We may share this information with other providers (e.g., specialists, laboratories, or pharmacies) to coordinate your care.
   • Example: Sending digital impressions to a lab to manufacture your crown.
2. For Payment: We use your information to verify insurance coverage and bill for services.
   • Example: Submitting treatment codes to your dental insurance provider so they cover the cost.
3. For Healthcare Operations: We use data to improve our internal processes, train staff, and ensure quality control.
   • Example: Reviewing patient files to assess the effectiveness of our hygiene protocols.

1. Public Interest & Legal Requirements We may share your information without your specific authorization in the following limited circumstances:

• Public Health Activities: To report disease outbreaks, adverse reactions to medications, or suspected abuse/neglect/domestic violence to appropriate authorities.
• Health Oversight: To assist government agencies (like the HHS) with audits, investigations, or inspections.
• Legal Proceedings: If we receive a court order, subpoena, or valid legal discovery request.
• Law Enforcement: To assist police in locating a suspect or regarding a crime on our premises.
• Serious Threats: To prevent an imminent threat to the health or safety of a person or the public.
• Specialized Government Functions: For national security, military, or presidential protection purposes.
• Workers’ Compensation: To comply with laws regarding work-related injuries.

1. Communications We may use your information to contact you regarding appointment reminders or treatment alternatives.
2. Your Rights Regarding Your Health Data

Although your dental record belongs to D&FD, the information inside it belongs to you. You have the right to:

1. Inspect and Copy: You may request to see or receive a copy of your dental records (digital or paper). We will provide this within 30 days. A reasonable fee for labor and supplies may apply.
2. Request an Amendment: If you believe there is an error in your file, you may submit a written request to correct it. We may deny the request if the information is accurate, but we will provide a written explanation if we do.
3. Request Restrictions: You may ask us not to share specific information for treatment, payment, or operations. We are not required to agree, but if we do, we will abide by it.
   • Out-of-Pocket Exception: If you pay for a service in full personally, you have the absolute right to forbid us from sharing details of that specific service with your insurance plan.
4. Request Confidential Communications: You can ask us to contact you via a specific method (e.g., “call my cell, not my home”) or send mail to an alternate address.
5. Get an Accounting of Disclosures: You may ask for a list of times we shared your data for reasons other than treatment, payment, or operations (e.g., public health reporting) over the past six years.
6. Choose a Representative: A legal guardian or power of attorney may exercise these rights on your behalf once we verify their authority.
7. Paper Copy: You are entitled to a physical paper copy of this notice upon request.

III. Your Authorization Choices

For any use not listed above (such as marketing purposes or selling patient data), we will not share your information without your written authorization. If you give us permission, you may revoke it in writing at any time to stop future disclosures.

1. 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 compromises your unsecured health information.
• We must abide by the terms of the Notice currently in effect.

1. Complaints & Contact

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (OCR). We will never penalize or retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

To file a complaint or exercise your rights, contact D&FD:

Dirección: 3815 SW 8th Street
Ciudad: Miami
Estado: FL
Código Postal: 33134