Privacy
policy.

Scope of this policy

This policy applies to information collected through this website, by telephone, by text message, by email and through other communications with our practice. It supplements—but does not replace—our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, which governs protected health information maintained by the practice.

Information we collect

We may collect your name, telephone number, email address, appointment or scheduling requests, billing or insurance-related contact information, communication preferences, and any information you voluntarily provide when contacting our office. Our website may also receive routine technical information such as browser type, device information, IP address and pages visited.

Please do not send detailed medical information through a general website or ordinary email unless our team directs you to an approved secure method.

How we use information

We use information to provide and coordinate dental services; schedule, confirm and change appointments; send recall reminders and treatment follow-up; communicate about billing or payments; answer questions; provide patient support; maintain and improve our services; protect the security of our systems; and comply with legal and regulatory obligations.

How information may be shared

We may share information with service providers that help us operate the practice and deliver requested services, including practice-management, communications, payment, hosting and security providers. These providers are expected to use information only for the services they perform for us. We may also disclose information when required by law, to protect rights or safety, or as part of a lawful business transaction.

We do not sell personal information. We do not share personal information with third parties for their independent marketing purposes.

Mobile information and SMS consent

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

We may use service providers solely to enable and support our patient messaging program. For details about message types, frequency and opt-out choices, review our SMS Terms & Conditions.

Protected health information

When information is protected health information under HIPAA, we use and disclose it as described in our Notice of Privacy Practices and as permitted or required by law. Patients may request a copy of that notice from our office or review the source document linked from our Office Terms & Policies page.

Security and retention

We use reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards designed to protect information. No website, email or text-message system can be guaranteed completely secure. We retain information for as long as reasonably needed for the purposes described here and as required by applicable law and professional obligations.

Your choices

You may ask us to update your contact information or communication preferences. To stop text messages, reply STOP. For texting help, reply HELP or call the office. Opting out of text messages does not affect your ability to receive dental care; our team can communicate with you by another available method.

Questions and changes

We may update this policy from time to time and will post the revised date on this page. For privacy questions, call (518) 374-1935, email rita@schwartzfamilydentistry.com, or write to Schwartz Family Dentistry, 833 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308.