Privacy Policies
Health Policies
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED,
HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION, YOUR RIGHTS CONCERNING YOUR HEALTH
INFORMATION AND OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION.
PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
State and Federal laws require us to maintain the privacy of your health information and to inform you about our privacy
practices by providing you with this Notice. We are required to abide by the terms of this Notice of Privacy Practices. This
Notice will take effect on January 29, 2026, and will remain in effect until it is amended or replaced by us.
We reserve the right to change our privacy practices provided law permits the changes. Before we make a significant
change, this Notice will be amended to reflect the changes, and we will make the new Notice available upon request. We
reserve the right to make changes in our privacy practices and the new terms of our Notice effective for all health
information maintained, created and/or received by us before the date changes were made.
You may request a copy of our Privacy Notice at any time by contacting our Privacy Officer – Registered Dental Hygienist.
Information on contacting us can be found at the end of this Notice.
We will keep your health information confidential, using it only for the following purposes:
Treatment: While we are providing you with health care services, we may share your protected health information (PHI)
including electronic protected health information (ePHI) with other health care providers, business associates and their
subcontractors or individuals who are involved in your treatment, billing, administrative support or data analysis. These
business associates and subcontractors through signed contracts are required by Federal law to protect your health
information. We have established “minimum necessary” or “need to know” standards that limit various staff members’
access to your health information according to their primary job functions. Everyone on our staff is required to sign a
confidentiality statement.
Payment: We may use and disclose your health information to seek payment for services we provide to you. This
disclosure involves our business office staff and may include insurance organizations, collections or other third parties that
may be responsible for such costs, such as family members.
Disclosure: We may disclose and/or share protected health information (PHI) including electronic disclosure with other
health care professionals who provide treatment and/or service to you. These professionals will have a privacy and
confidentiality policy like this one. Health information about you may also be disclosed to your family, friends and/or other
persons you choose to involve in your care, only if you agree that we may do so. As of March 26, 2013, immunization
records for students may be released without authorization (as long as the PHI disclosed is limited to proof of
immunization). If an individual is deceased, you may disclose PHI to a family member or individual involved in care or
payment prior to death. Psychotherapy notes will not be used or disclosed without your written authorization. Genetic
Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) prohibits health plans from using or disclosing genetic information for underwriting
purposes. Uses and disclosures not described in this notice will be made only with your signed authorization.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request an “accounting of disclosures” of your protected
information if the disclosure was made for purposes other than providing services, payment, and or business operations. In
light of the increasing use of Electronic Medical Record technology (EMR), the HITECH Act allows you the right to request a
copy of your health information in electronic form if we store your information electronically. Disclosures can be made
available for a period of 6 years prior to your request and for electronic health information 3 years prior to the date on which
the accounting is requested. If for some reason we aren’t capable of an electronic format, a readable hardcopy will be
provided. To request this list or accounting of disclosures, you must submit your request in writing to our Privacy Officer.
Lists, if requested, we do not charge to locate and copy.
Right to Request Restriction of PHI: If you pay in full out of pocket for your treatment, you can instruct us not to share
information about your treatment with your health plan; if the request is not required by law. Effective March 26, 2013, The
Omnibus Rule restricts provider’s refusal of an individual’s request not to disclose PHI.
Non-routine Disclosures: You have the right to receive a list of non-routine disclosures we have made of your health care
information. You can request non-routine disclosures going back 6 years starting on April 14, 2003.
Appointment Reminders: We may use your health records to remind you of recommended services, treatment or
scheduled appointments.
Special Privacy Protections for Certain Health Information: Some health information related to substance use disorders
(SUD) is protected by additional federal privacy laws. Although this facility does not provide substance use disorder
treatment, these laws may apply if such information appears in a patient's record.
When applicable:
SUD information generally cannot be shared without your written permission
It cannot be used for law enforcement, employment, housing, or benefit decisions
Federal law prohibits discrimination based on this information
In limited situations, such as a medical emergency or when required by law, disclosure may be allowed. We are committed
to protecting your privacy and safeguarding all health information. If the situation arises, we will use the substance abuse
confidentiality consent form to authorize disclosure. If you have questions, please contact our Privacy Officer.
Emergencies: We may use or disclose your health information to notify or assist in the notification of a family member or
anyone responsible for your care, in case of any emergency involving your care, your location, your general condition or
death. If at all possible, we will provide you with an opportunity to object to this use or disclosure. Under emergency
conditions or if you are incapacitated, we will use our professional judgment to disclose only that information directly
relevant to your care. We will also use our professional judgment to make reasonable inferences of your best interest by
allowing someone to pick up filled prescriptions, x-rays or other similar forms of health information and/or supplies unless
you have advised us otherwise.
Healthcare Operations: We will use and disclose your health information to keep our practice operable. Examples of
personnel who may have access to this information include, but are not limited to, our medical records staff, insurance
operations, health care clearinghouses and individuals performing similar activities.
Required by Law: We may use or disclose your health information when we are required to do so by law. (Court or
administrative orders, subpoena, discovery request or other lawful process.) We will use and disclose your information
when requested by national security, intelligence and other State and Federal officials and/or if you are an inmate or
otherwise under the custody of law enforcement.
National Security: The health information of Armed Forces personnel may be disclosed to military authorities under certain
circumstances. If the information is required for lawful intelligence, counterintelligence or other national security activities,
we may disclose it to authorized federal officials.
Abuse or Neglect: We may disclose your health information to appropriate authorities if we reasonably believe that you are
a possible victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence or the possible victim of other crimes. This information will be
disclosed only to the extent necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health or safety or that of others.
Public Health Responsibilities: We will disclose your health care information to report problems with products, reactions
to medications, product recalls, disease/infection exposure and to prevent and control disease, injury and/or disability.
Marketing Health-Related Services: We will not use your health information for marketing purposes unless we have your
written authorization to do so. Effective March 26, 2013, we are required to obtain an authorization for marketing purposes if
communication about a product or service is provided and we receive financial remuneration (getting paid in exchange for
making the communication). No authorization is required if communication is made face-to-face or for promotional gifts.
Fundraising: We may use certain information (name, address, telephone number or e-mail information, age, date of birth,
gender, health insurance status, dates of service, department of service information, treating physician information or
outcome information) to contact you for the purpose of raising money and you will have the right to opt out of receiving such
communications with each solicitation. Effective March 26, 2013, PHI that requires a written patient authorization prior to
fundraising communication include diagnosis, nature of services and treatment. If you have elected to opt out, we are
prohibited from making fundraising communication under the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
Sale of PHI: We are prohibited to disclose PHI without authorization if it constitutes remuneration (getting paid in exchange
for the PHI).
“Sale of PHI” does not include disclosures for public health, certain research purposes, treatment and
payment, and for any other purpose permitted by the Privacy Rule, where the only remuneration received is “a reasonable
cost-based fee” to cover the cost to prepare and transmit the PHI for such purpose or a fee otherwise expressly permitted
by law. Corporate transactions (i.e., sale, transfer, merger, consolidation) are also excluded from the definition of “sale.”
Access: Upon written request, you have the right to inspect and get copies of your health information (and that of an
individual for whom you are a legal guardian.) We will provide access to health information in a form / format requested by
you. There will be some limited exceptions. If you wish to examine your health information, you will need to complete and
submit an appropriate request form. Contact our Privacy Officer for a copy of the request form. You may also request
access by sending us a letter to the address at the end of this Notice. Once approved, an appointment can be made to
review your records.
Copies, if requested, we do not charge for copies of patient’s records. Access to your health
information in electronic form if (readily producible) may be obtained with your request. If for some reason we aren’t capable
of an electronic format, a readable hardcopy will be provided. If you prefer a summary or an explanation of your health
information, we will provide it for a fee. Please contact our Privacy Officer for an explanation of our fee structure.
Amendment: You have the right to amend your healthcare information, if you feel it is inaccurate or incomplete. Your
request must be in writing and must include an explanation of why the information should be amended. Under certain
circumstances, your request may be denied.
Breach Notification Requirements: It is presumed that any acquisition, access, use or disclosure of PHI not permitted
under HIPAA regulations is a breach. We are required to complete a risk assessment, and if necessary, inform HHS and
take any other steps required by law. You will be notified of the situation and any steps you should take to protect yourself
against harm due to the breach.
QUESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS: You have the right to file a complaint with us if you feel we have not complied with our
Privacy Policies. Your complaint should be directed to our Privacy Officer. If you feel we may have violated your privacy
rights, or if you disagree with a decision we made regarding your access to your health information, you can complain to us
in writing. Request a Complaint Form from our Privacy Officer. We support your right to the privacy of your information and
will not retaliate in any way if you choose to file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services.
HOW TO CONTACT US:
Practice Name: Joseph Dental Associates
Privacy Officer: Registered Dental Hygienist
Telephone: 803-432-7627
Address: 1301 Monument Square Camden, SC 29020
Texting and Messaging Policies
SMS Messaging Privacy Policy
Updated 04 / 02 / 2026
Joseph Dental Associates ("we", "us", "our") are committed to protecting your privacy. This SMS Messaging Privacy Policy ("Policy") governs how we collect and use information about you in relation to our text messaging program(s) (the "Messaging Service").
By using the Messaging Service, you agree to the terms of this Policy. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to modify or change this Policy at any time with or without prior notice to you. The date of the last update will be posted at the top of this Policy for your convenience. This Policy, and any changes, are effective as soon as posted and supersede any prior Policies. Your continued use of the Messaging Service following the posting of any changes to the Policy constitutes your full acceptance of those changes.
Collection of Information
Through your use of the Messaging Service, we will receive Personal Information through our third-party service provider. “Personal Information” is information that individually identifies you, such as your mobile phone number you provided when signing up for the Messaging Service, any user or screen name that you select in connection with the Messaging Service, any comments or feedback regarding the Messaging Service that you send to us, or any other information that you choose to include in messages you send through the Messaging Service. When you send messages via the Messaging Service, we will also collect your messaging history and any information included in those messages.
We may also collect Personal Information about you using cookies or similar technologies. Cookies are pieces of information that are stored by your browser on the hard drive or memory of your device. Cookies enable personalization of your experience on the Messaging Service (e.g., sending you personalized text messages such as shopping cart reminders).
If you participate in a contest, sweepstakes, research study, or email survey associated with the Messaging Service, we will collect basic contact information and any other information you choose to provide in connection with these activities. We will also collect your contact information if you contact us with questions about the Messaging Service or for customer service.
Use of Information
We use Personal Information to deliver, analyze, maintain and support the Messaging Service. We may also use Personal Information to enhance the Messaging Service features and customize and personalize your experiences on the Messaging Service.
Sharing of Information
We will not rent or sell your Personal Information to other companies or individuals unless we have your consent. We may use or disclose Personal Information in any of the following limited circumstances:
We have your consent.
We need to enforce our Terms of Service.
We provide such information to trusted businesses or persons for the sole purpose of processing Personal Information on our behalf or providing the Messaging Service to you. When this is done, it is subject to agreements that oblige those parties to process such information only on our instructions and in compliance with this Policy and appropriate confidentiality and security measures. If the third party fails to comply with our terms, Joseph Dental Associates is not accountable in any way for any liability or reimbursement.
We provide Personal Information to a company controlled by, or under common control with, Joseph Dental Associates for any purpose permitted by this Policy.
We transfer Personal Information about you if a Joseph Dental Associates is, or its assets are, acquired by or merged with another company.
We believe disclosure of Personal Information is necessary or appropriate to: (i) comply with applicable law and legal processes; (ii) respond to requests from public and government authorities, including public and government authorities outside your country of residence; (iii) enforce a contract with us; (iv) protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property, and/or that of our affiliates, you or others; and (v) allow us to pursue available remedies or limit the damages that we may sustain.
From time to time, we may share aggregate or de-identified information about use of the Messaging Service and such aggregated or de-identified information may be shared with any third party, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors.
No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
Protection of Information
Joseph Dental Associates takes precautions to ensure the security of your Personal Information, including ensuring that our third party service providers protect the security of your Personal Information. However, we cannot guarantee that hackers or unauthorized personnel will not gain access to your Personal Information despite our efforts. You should note that in using the Messaging Service, your information will travel through third party infrastructures which are not under our control (such as a third party SMS delivery platform or your carrier network).
We cannot protect, nor does this Policy apply to, any information that you transmit to other users. You should never transmit personal or identifying information to other users.
Children
The Messaging Service is not intended for children under 13, and we does not knowingly collect information from children under the age of 13.
Children aged 13 or older should not submit any Personal Information without the permission of their parents or guardians. By using the Messaging Service, you are representing that you are at least 18, or that you are at least 13 years old and have your parents’ permission to use the service.
Retention of Information
We retain your Personal Information for as long as you participate in the Messaging Service or as needed to comply with applicable legal obligations. We will also retain and use your Personal Information as necessary to resolve disputes, protect us and our customers, and enforce our agreements.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any additional questions regarding this Policy, please feel free to contact us any time at info@josephdentistry.com or 803-432-7627.
SMS Terms and Conditions
Use of the Joseph Dental Associates text message-based services (the “Messaging Service”) is subject to the following Terms of Service. These terms constitute a legal agreement (the “Agreement”). Please read them carefully.
Joseph Dental Associates will allow several different opportunities, such as a entering a phone number on a form, to opt-in to SMS services. When you sign up for our Messaging Service, you agree to receive the following type(s) of SMS from us:
Appointment reminders and scheduling
Follow-up care
Billing updates
Marketing
You can cancel the Messaging Service at any time. Just text "STOP" to unsubscribe. After you send the SMS message "STOP" to us, we will send you an SMS message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. If you want to join again, just sign up as you did the first time or reply "START", and we will start sending SMS messages to you again.
If at any time you forget what keywords are supported, just text "HELP". After you send the SMS message "HELP" to us, we will respond with instructions on how to use our Service as well as how to unsubscribe.
As always, message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you, and Joseph Dental Associates is not liable for the cost of any such messages. Frequency of messages may vary. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider. For all questions about the Messaging Service, you can send an email to info@josephdentistry.com.
You understand that anyone with access to your mobile phone may be able to view the messages you receive when using the Messaging Service, and you agree that Joseph Dental Associates will not be liable to you if this occurs.
You understand that you are not required to consent to the Service to receive any other services from Joseph Dental Associates.
No mobile opt-in message consent will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.
By agreeing to these Terms of Service and providing us with your mobile phone number when you opt in to the Messaging Service, you authorize Joseph Dental Associates to contact you by text message at your mobile phone number using an automatic telephone dialing system or device, or any other computer assisted technology as applicable.
If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our Privacy Policy.