Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly and certain data gathered automatically when you use our website.

Information You Provide Directly

• Contact information: name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.
• Appointment requests: preferred date and time, service requested, and insurance carrier.
• Patient forms: health history, dental history, and insurance information submitted through our new-patient intake process.
• Communications: messages sent to us via our contact form, email, or phone.

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, our hosting provider may automatically collect certain technical data including your IP address, browser type, referring URL, pages visited, and the date and time of your visit. This data is used in aggregate to understand how visitors use our site and to improve performance.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to provide and improve our services. Specifically, we use it to:

• Schedule and confirm appointments.
• Communicate treatment plans, reminders, and follow-up care.
• Process and verify dental insurance benefits.
• Send appointment reminders and recall notices.
• Respond to questions and requests submitted through our website.
• Comply with applicable laws, including HIPAA and California dental board regulations.

HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

As a dental practice, we are a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your protected health information (PHI) is governed by our Notice of Privacy Practices, provided to all patients at their first visit and available at our front desk on request.

• We use and disclose PHI for treatment, payment, and health care operations without your authorization.
• We will obtain your written authorization before using PHI for marketing or research.
• You have the right to access, amend, and receive an accounting of disclosures of your PHI.
• You may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your rights have been violated.

Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies, which are small text files stored on your device, to remember your preferences and analyze site traffic. You can disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some features of our site may not function as intended if you do.

We do not use third-party advertising cookies or cross-site tracking technologies.

Third-Party Service Providers

We work with trusted vendors who help us operate our website and practice, including:

• Practice management software: for scheduling, charting, and billing.
• Web hosting: for serving this website.
• Payment processors: for collecting co-pays and balances.

These providers are contractually bound to use your information only as necessary to provide services to us and are prohibited from using it for their own purposes.

Data Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Our office systems are encrypted, password-protected, and accessible only to authorized team members. Despite these measures, no transmission over the internet is 100% secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA / CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

• Know what personal information we collect, use, disclose, or sell.
• Request deletion of your personal information.
• Opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.
• Non-discrimination for exercising your CCPA rights.

To submit a request, contact us at hello@brightsidedental.com or call (209) 366-4287. We will respond within 45 days.

Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children through our website. Patient health information for minors is handled through our standard HIPAA-compliant processes with parental or guardian consent.

Links to Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites such as Google Maps, insurance carrier portals, or dental association resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their policies before submitting any information.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. When we do, we will revise the effective date shown at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this page whenever you visit our site.