At Church Dentistry, we understand that your personal and health information is private and sensitive. We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your information in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your information when you visit our website or receive care at our practice.
This policy applies to all information we collect through our website, in our office, through phone and email communications, and through any other interactions you have with Church Dentistry. We take our responsibility to protect your privacy seriously and have implemented comprehensive safeguards to ensure your information remains secure.
By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions or concerns about how we handle your information, please contact us immediately so we can address them.
Personal Information: When you visit our website or contact our office, we may collect personal information you voluntarily provide, such as your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address. This information helps us communicate with you about appointments, treatment, and other dental care matters.
Health Information: As a healthcare provider, we collect detailed health information necessary for your dental care. This includes your medical and dental history, current medications, allergies, insurance information, x-rays, treatment records, and any other information relevant to your oral health care. This protected health information (PHI) is subject to special protections under HIPAA.
Website Usage Information: When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain technical information including your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and the date and time of your visit. We may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website usage patterns.
Payment Information: When you make payments for services, we collect necessary financial information such as credit card numbers, billing addresses, and insurance information. We use secure, encrypted systems to process and store this sensitive financial data.
Treatment and Healthcare Operations: We use your health information primarily to provide you with quality dental care. This includes diagnosing and treating dental conditions, coordinating care with other healthcare providers, and contacting you about appointments and treatment. We also use your information for healthcare operations such as quality assessment, training, and practice improvement.
Communication: We use your contact information to communicate with you about your dental care, including appointment reminders, treatment follow-ups, and important updates about our practice. With your consent, we may also send you educational materials about oral health or inform you about new services that may benefit you.
Payment and Insurance: We use your information to process payments, verify insurance coverage, submit insurance claims, and manage your account. We may share necessary information with your insurance company or third-party payment processors to facilitate these transactions.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: We may use or disclose your information as required by law, including compliance with public health reporting requirements, court orders, or other legal processes. We may also use your information to comply with regulatory requirements and professional standards.
Physical and Technical Safeguards: We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your information. Our office uses locked file cabinets for paper records, restricted access areas, and security systems. Electronic records are protected with encryption, passwords, firewalls, and regular security updates. Only authorized personnel with a legitimate need have access to your information.
Administrative Safeguards: All Church Dentistry team members receive HIPAA training and are required to sign confidentiality agreements. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure proper handling of protected health information. Regular audits are conducted to ensure compliance with our privacy and security policies.
Disclosure Limitations: We do not sell, rent, or share your personal or health information with third parties for marketing purposes. We only share your information with your written authorization or as permitted by law. When we must share information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, we share only the minimum necessary information.
Data Retention: We retain your dental and health records for the period required by North Carolina law and professional standards. When records are no longer needed, they are disposed of securely through shredding or certified electronic destruction methods.
Access to Your Records: You have the right to request copies of your dental and health records. To protect your privacy, we require written requests and may ask for identification verification. Reasonable fees may apply for copying and administrative costs. In most cases, we will provide your records within 30 days of your request.
Corrections and Amendments: If you believe your records contain incorrect information, you have the right to request corrections. Submit your request in writing, explaining what information is incorrect and how it should be corrected. We will respond to your request within 60 days.
Communication Preferences: You can choose how we communicate with you. Let us know if you prefer phone calls over emails, or if there are specific phone numbers or addresses we should or should not use. You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time while still receiving important information about your care.
Restrict Use and Disclosure: You have the right to request restrictions on how we use or share your information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. While we will consider all requests, we are not required to agree to restrictions that would interfere with your care or legal obligations. You also have the right to receive a list of certain disclosures we have made of your health information.
Policy Updates: We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy as needed to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make material changes, we will post the updated policy on our website with the new effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
HIPAA Notice: As required by HIPAA, we maintain a separate Notice of Privacy Practices that provides additional details about how we use and disclose your protected health information. This notice is available at our office and on our website, and we will provide you with a copy upon request.
Questions and Complaints: If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or concerns about how we handle your information, please contact our Privacy Officer at 919-220-6553. You also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
Contact Us: For any privacy-related matters, to request copies of your records, or to exercise any of your privacy rights, please contact Church Dentistry at 919-220-6553 or visit our office. We are committed to addressing your concerns promptly and maintaining your trust in our practice.
We strive to keep your account current and simple to understand. Statements are sent monthly for any outstanding balances, clearly showing recent payments, insurance adjustments, and any remaining amounts due. You can also access your account information through our patient portal, where you can view your balance, make payments, and see your treatment history.
Payment is due upon receipt of your statement. Accounts that remain unpaid after 30 days will receive a reminder notice. After 60 days, unpaid accounts may be subject to a late fee. We understand that financial difficulties can arise, and we encourage you to contact us if you’re having trouble paying your balance. We’re often able to work out payment arrangements that prevent your account from becoming delinquent.
In the rare event that an account becomes severely past due despite our attempts to work with you, we may need to refer the account to a collection agency. This can negatively impact your credit score and result in additional fees. We strongly prefer to avoid this outcome and encourage open communication about any financial challenges you’re facing.
We understand that navigating dental costs and payment policies can raise questions. That’s why our financial team is always available to discuss your concerns and help you understand your options. Whether you’re wondering about insurance coverage, need to set up a payment plan, or want to explore financing options, we’re here to help.
Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from getting the dental care you need. Often, we can find creative solutions that make treatment affordable. From phasing treatment over time to combining insurance benefits with financing, there are usually options available that can work within your budget.
If you have questions about our payment policy or need to discuss financial arrangements for your dental care, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 919-220-6553. Our friendly team is ready to help you understand your options and find a solution that works for you. At Church Dentistry, we’re committed to making quality dental care accessible and affordable for all our patients.
Website Content All content on the Church Dentistry website, including text, images, logos, and design elements, is the property of Church Dentistry or used with permission. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is prohibited.
Patient Photos and Testimonials Patient photos and testimonials are used with written permission. Patients retain rights to their images and may request removal at any time.
Licensing and Credentials Dr. Will Church is licensed to practice dentistry in North Carolina. License information is available upon request and through appropriate state licensing boards.
Professional Standards Church Dentistry adheres to professional standards established by the American Dental Association and North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners.
Regulatory Changes Dental regulations and standards may change, and Church Dentistry reserves the right to modify policies and procedures to maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Updates to Disclaimers Church Dentistry reserves the right to update these disclaimers at any time without prior notice. Patients are encouraged to review disclaimers periodically.
Severability If any portion of these disclaimers is deemed unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in full effect.
Governing Law These disclaimers and all related matters are governed by the laws of North Carolina.
Contact Information Questions about these disclaimers should be directed to Church Dentistry at 919-220-6553 or through our contact form.
By scheduling an appointment, receiving treatment, or using the Church Dentistry website, patients acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to these disclaimers and terms.
Patients who do not agree with any portion of these disclaimers should not use our services or website and should discuss their concerns with Dr. Church or our office staff.
