Privacy Policy
Introduction
Pearl Dental Care (“Pearl,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website, create an account, request an appointment, message our team, or otherwise interact with our online services (the “Services”).
By using the Services, you acknowledge this Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Services. Where required by law, we will obtain appropriate consent before collecting or using certain information.
Information we collect
Account and contact details: such as your name, email address, phone number, and password (stored using industry-standard protections).
Scheduling and intake information: such as preferred appointment dates, messages you send through forms, and other details you choose to provide related to your care inquiry.
Technical data: such as device type, browser type, general location derived from IP address, pages viewed, and timestamps. This helps us operate, secure, and improve the Services.
Communications: when you email, call, or message us, we retain those communications as needed to respond and maintain our records in line with professional and legal obligations.
Health information you submit online may be created or received by us in the course of providing healthcare services. We handle such information in accordance with applicable privacy and health privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and its regulations (“HIPAA”) where we act as a covered entity or business associate, and this Policy where information is not governed by HIPAA.
How we use information
We use information to provide and improve the Services; create and manage accounts; respond to appointment requests and questions; coordinate care; send administrative messages (such as confirmations or account notices); protect security and prevent fraud; comply with law; and analyze usage in aggregate or de-identified form to improve our website experience.
We do not sell your personal information. We do not use sensitive health information for third-party marketing without your authorization where such authorization is required.
How we share information
We may share information with service providers who assist us in hosting, communications, analytics, security, or practice operations, subject to contracts that require appropriate confidentiality and security measures.
We may disclose information if required by law, legal process, or government request; to protect the rights, safety, and property of Pearl, our patients, or others; or in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset transfer, subject to confidentiality obligations.
Where HIPAA applies, uses and disclosures of protected health information follow our Notice of Privacy Practices provided at the practice and as required by law.
Cookies and similar technologies
We may use cookies and similar technologies to remember preferences, maintain sessions, measure site performance, and understand how visitors use the Services. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling certain cookies may limit some features.
Data retention
We retain information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, provide care, meet legal and professional recordkeeping requirements, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Retention periods vary depending on the type of record and applicable law.
Security
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure; we encourage you to use strong passwords and protect your account credentials.
Your choices and rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict certain personal information, or to object to certain processing. You may also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority where applicable.
To exercise rights that are not already available through your account tools, contact us using the methods on our Contact page. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling a request. We will not discriminate against you for exercising privacy rights provided by law.
Children’s privacy
The Services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through the Services without appropriate parental consent. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13 in error, please contact us and we will take appropriate steps.
Links to third parties
The Services may contain links to third-party websites or tools. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to read their policies before providing information to them.
Changes to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes to our practices or legal requirements. We will revise the effective date at the top of this page when we do. For material changes, we will provide additional notice as required by law (for example, a prominent notice on the website or an email where appropriate).
Contact us
For privacy questions or requests, contact Pearl Dental Care through the phone number, email, or contact form on our Contact page. We will respond consistent with applicable law.