Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 05/01/2025
Practice Name: The Tooth Shop of Ocala
Address: 1226 SE 24th Rd, Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: (352) 732-2458
Website: TheToothShopofOcala.com

Introduction

At The Tooth Shop of Ocala, we are committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your health information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws. It also explains your rights and how to exercise them.

1. Information We Collect

A. Health Information

When you become our patient, we may collect:

  • Name, date of birth, address, and contact information

  • Dental and medical histories

  • Diagnosis and treatment details

  • Health insurance and billing information

  • Diagnostic images (e.g., x-rays)

B. Website and Communication Information

When you contact us through our website or by phone, we may collect:

  • Name, email, and phone number

  • Questions, messages, or appointment requests

  • Basic technical data (IP address, browser type for analytics purposes)

2. How We Use and Disclose Your Information

We may use or share your information for the following purposes:

A. Treatment

To provide you with dental care and treatment services.

B. Payment

To bill your insurance provider or you directly for services rendered.

C. Health Care Operations

To manage and improve our practice, including staff training and quality assurance.

D. Legal Obligations and Public Health

We may disclose information when required by law, such as:

  • Reporting public health risks

  • Responding to legal processes

  • Preventing or controlling disease or injury

E. Business Associates

We may share information with third-party service providers who assist with billing, IT, or recordkeeping. These partners are contractually obligated to protect your PHI.

F. Communications

We may contact you for:

  • Appointment confirmations or reminders

  • Treatment follow-ups

  • Practice updates or service offerings (you may opt out)

3. Your HIPAA Rights

As a patient, you have the right to:

  • Access and receive copies of your PHI

  • Request amendments to your records

  • Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures

  • Request confidential communication methods

  • Receive a list of certain disclosures of your PHI

  • Obtain a paper copy of this policy at any time

  • File a complaint if you believe your rights have been violated

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information below.

4. Our Safeguards

We are committed to securing your information through:

  • Secure storage of physical and digital records

  • HIPAA-compliant software and systems

  • Access controls and staff training

  • Encryption of sensitive data where applicable

5. Website Privacy

Our website may collect limited, non-personal information for user experience and analytics. Information submitted through online forms (e.g., appointment requests) is handled securely and treated with the same confidentiality as in-office records. We do not sell or share your information for marketing purposes without your consent.

6. Policy Changes

We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time. Changes will be posted on our website and take effect immediately unless otherwise stated. A notice will be provided when significant updates occur.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this policy or your rights, please contact:

Privacy Officer
The Tooth Shop of Ocala
1226 SE 24th Rd
Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: (352) 732-2458
Email: DrSyska@TheToothShopofOcala.com

8. Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our office or with:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint/index.html

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.