Effective Date: July 23, 2026
ABG Dental of Elkhart/Goshen (“we”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it. This Privacy Policy & Notice of Privacy Practices explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you interact with our practice, website, and communication services, including SMS/MMS messaging. It also describes how your protected health information (PHI) may be used and disclosed in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
This document combines our general Privacy Policy, including SMS/MMS communications, with our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices for your convenience.
Part I – General Privacy Policy
Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
Personal Information
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Other contact information you voluntarily provide
Messaging Data
Information related to SMS/MMS communications including:
- Message content
- Timestamps
- Delivery status
Usage Data
Information about how you interact with our website and services.
How We Use Your Information
We may use your information to:
- Send appointment reminders
- Send transactional communications
- Send customer support updates
- Send promotional or marketing messages (only if you have opted in)
- Improve our services
- Respond to inquiries
- Comply with applicable laws and regulations
SMS Messaging & 10DLC Compliance
By providing your phone number and opting in, you consent to receive SMS/MMS communications from ABG Dental of Elkhart/Goshen.
Message types may include:
- Appointment reminders
- Customer support updates
- Account notifications
- Marketing or promotional messages (only if explicitly opted in)
Message Frequency
Message frequency may vary.
Message & Data Rates
Standard message and data rates may apply.
Consent & Opt-In
We collect consent through one or more of the following methods:
- Website forms
- Verbal agreement
- Written consent
- Digital consent forms
Consent to receive SMS communications is not a condition of receiving dental treatment or making a purchase.
Opt-Out Instructions
You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying:
STOP
After opting out, you will no longer receive SMS messages unless you opt in again.
For assistance, reply:
HELP
or contact our office directly.
Data Sharing & Disclosure
We do not sell or rent your personal information.
We may share information with:
- Service providers (including messaging providers such as Twilio) strictly for providing services
- Legal authorities when required by law
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or misuse.
Data Retention
We retain your information only as long as necessary to:
- Provide services
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes
- Enforce agreements
Your Rights
Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:
- Access your personal information
- Request correction
- Request deletion
- Withdraw consent where applicable
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.
Any changes will be posted with an updated effective date.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact our office using the contact information listed at the end of this document.
Part II – Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)
PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW THIS NOTICE.
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION AND HOW YOU MAY GAIN ACCESS TO YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION.
PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
Notice of Privacy Practices
We are required by law to maintain the privacy of protected health information, to provide individuals with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to protected health information, and to notify affected individuals following a breach of unsecured protected health information. We must follow the privacy practices described in this Notice while it is in effect.
This Notice takes effect July 23, 2026 and remains in effect until replaced.
We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and the terms of this Notice at any time, provided such changes are permitted by applicable law. Any revised Notice will apply to all protected health information we maintain. Updated notices will be posted in our office and made available upon request.
You may request a copy of this Notice at any time.
How We May Use and Disclose Health Information About You
We may use and disclose your health information for:
- Treatment
- Payment
- Healthcare Operations
Certain information, including HIV-related information, genetic information, substance use disorder records, and mental health records, may receive additional legal protections.
Treatment
We may use and disclose your health information for treatment purposes, including sharing information with specialists involved in your care.
Payment
We may use your information for billing, collections, insurance claims, eligibility determinations, and obtaining payment.
Healthcare Operations
We may use information for:
- Quality improvement
- Staff training
- Licensing
- Business operations
Individuals Involved in Your Care
We may disclose information to family members, friends, caregivers, or patient representatives involved in your care or payment.
Disaster Relief
We may disclose information to assist disaster relief organizations.
Required by Law
We may disclose information when required by federal or state law.
Public Health Activities
Including:
- Disease prevention
- Child abuse reporting
- Product recalls
- Medication reactions
- Abuse or neglect reporting
National Security
We may disclose information for lawful military, intelligence, correctional, or national security purposes.
Secretary of Health & Human Services
We will disclose information when required to investigate HIPAA compliance.
Workers’ Compensation
Information may be disclosed as permitted by workers’ compensation laws.
Law Enforcement
Information may be disclosed as required by law, subpoena, or court order.
Health Oversight Activities
We may disclose information for audits, inspections, investigations, licensing, and other oversight activities.
Judicial & Administrative Proceedings
Information may be disclosed in response to lawful court orders and legal proceedings.
Research
Approved researchers may receive information in accordance with HIPAA requirements.
Coroners, Medical Examiners & Funeral Directors
Information may be disclosed as necessary.
Fundraising
We may contact you regarding fundraising activities. You may opt out.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Records
If we receive records protected by 42 CFR Part 2, they will only be used and disclosed as permitted by applicable law and your authorization.
Other Uses and Disclosures
Uses not described in this Notice generally require your written authorization.
You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing.
Your Health Information Rights
You have the right to:
- Inspect and obtain copies of your records
- Receive electronic copies where applicable
- Request an accounting of disclosures
- Request restrictions
- Request confidential communications
- Request amendments
- Receive breach notifications
- Receive a paper copy of this Notice
Reasonable fees may apply where permitted by law.
Questions & Complaints
If you have questions about our privacy practices, please contact our Privacy Official.
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:
- ABG Dental of Elkhart/Goshen
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Effective Date
This Notice was published and becomes effective on July 23, 2026.