Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy outlines how Burlington Smile Dental collects, uses, and safeguards your personal and health information. We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and medical records in accordance with applicable laws and professional standards.

Our office is required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information and to inform you about our legal duties and privacy practices. Protected health information includes any information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health and the care you receive.

This Policy describes how Burlington Smile Dental may use and disclose your protected health information for treatment, payment, and health care operations. Other uses and disclosures will only occur with your written authorization, except where permitted or required by law. You also have rights to access and control your personal health information, as described below.

We are dedicated to following the terms of this Policy and may update it from time to time. Any revised notice will apply to all information we maintain. You may request a current copy of this Policy by contacting our office.

Please read this Policy carefully.

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

This Notice explains how your medical information may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. If you have any questions, please contact our Office Manager at info@burlingtonsmiledental.ca or call 905-635-1930.

1. Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information

Your health information may be used or disclosed by your dentist, dental hygienist, or administrative staff for treatment, payment, and health care operations without your authorization. Below are examples of how this may occur:

  • Treatment: Your information may be shared among dental care professionals involved in your treatment to ensure continuity and quality of care. This includes consultations with specialists, lab technicians, or other providers.
  • Payment: Your information may be used to obtain payment from your insurance company or other third parties. This may include verifying insurance coverage or submitting claims for services rendered.
  • Health Care Operations: We may use your information for practice management, staff training, performance reviews, and improving the quality of our services. We may also contact you for appointment reminders or to provide information about treatment options or health-related services.

Any arrangements with third-party business associates will include written agreements requiring them to protect the confidentiality of your information.

Except as permitted by law, we will not disclose your information without your written authorization. You may revoke this authorization at any time in writing, except to the extent that action has already been taken based on it.

2. Your Rights Regarding Health Information

You have the following rights concerning your protected health information:

  • Right to Access: You may inspect and obtain a copy of your dental and billing records, with certain legal exceptions.
  • Right to Request Restrictions: You may request restrictions on how your information is used or disclosed for treatment, payment, or operations. While we are not obligated to agree to every restriction, we will honor approved requests when feasible.
  • Right to Confidential Communications: You can request that we contact you by alternative means or at alternative locations (for example, at your workplace or via a specific phone number).
  • Right to Amend: If you believe your information is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment. We may deny your request under specific legal circumstances, but we will provide a written explanation if so.
  • Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your information, excluding those made for treatment, payment, or health care operations.

3. Complaints and Concerns

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Office Manager.