Privacy Policy

Introduction

Silver Spring Dental Center ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with our dental practice.

Practice Information:

• Practice Name: Silver Spring Dental Center
• Doctor: Dr. Samna Minhas, DDS
• Address: 10301 Georgia Avenue Suite 202, Silver Spring, MD 20902
• Phone: (301) 589-2545

HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

As a healthcare provider, we are required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information (PHI) and to provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to PHI. This notice is also available at our office.

Your Health Information Rights

You have the right to:

• Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your health information
• Receive confidential communications of health information
• Inspect and copy your health information
• Amend your health information
• Receive an accounting of disclosures of your health information
• File a complaint about our privacy practices

Information We Collect

Personal Information

• Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, emergency contacts
• Demographic Information: Date of birth, gender, preferred language
• Insurance Information: Insurance provider, policy numbers, coverage details
• Medical Information: Dental history, treatment records, X-rays, clinical notes
• Financial Information: Payment methods, billing information, outstanding balances

Website Information

• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, click patterns, referral sources
• Cookies and Tracking: Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, advertising pixels

How We Use Your Information

Medical Purposes

• Treatment: Providing dental care, diagnosis, and treatment planning
• Payment: Processing insurance claims, billing, and payment collection
• Healthcare Operations: Quality assessment, staff training, business administration

Website and Marketing

• Communication: Appointment reminders, treatment follow-ups, practice updates
• Marketing: Promotional materials, educational content, service announcements
• Analytics: Website performance, user behavior analysis, conversion tracking
• Advertising: Google Ads remarketing, targeted advertising campaigns

Third-Party Services and Data Sharing

Google Services

We use Google Tag Manager (GTM) and Google Analytics to:

• Track website performance and user interactions
• Optimize our digital marketing campaigns
• Analyze patient acquisition and website effectiveness
• Display targeted advertisements on Google and partner sites

Data Shared with Google:

• Website usage patterns and page views
• Anonymous demographic information
• Marketing campaign performance data
• Device and browser information

Other Third Parties

• Insurance Companies: For claims processing and coverage verification
• Dental Laboratories: For prosthetic work and treatment planning
• Payment Processors: For secure payment transaction processing
• Practice Management Software: For appointment scheduling and record keeping

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics for traffic analysis
• Marketing Cookies: Google Ads for remarketing and conversion tracking
• Preference Cookies: Language selection and user preferences

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit website functionality and your ability to use some features.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

• Physical Safeguards: Locked filing systems, restricted access areas
• Technical Safeguards: Encrypted data transmission, secure servers, access controls
• Administrative Safeguards: Staff training, privacy policies, regular security assessments

Data Retention

• Medical Records: Retained according to Maryland state law and professional requirements
• Website Data: Analytics data retained for 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Marketing Data: Advertising data retained for campaign optimization purposes
• Financial Records: Retained according to IRS and state tax requirements

Your Rights and Choices

Marketing Communications

• Opt-Out: Contact us to stop receiving promotional communications
• Preferences: Update your communication preferences at any time

Website Privacy

• Cookie Settings: Adjust browser settings to control cookie acceptance
• Do Not Track: We honor browser "Do Not Track" signals where technically feasible
• Data Access: Request information about data we've collected from your website visits

Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

However, as a dental practice, we do treat pediatric patients with appropriate parental consent and involvement in all treatment decisions.

Maryland Privacy Rights

If you are a Maryland resident, you may have additional rights under state privacy laws regarding the collection and use of your personal information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Providing notice at our office
• Other communication methods as appropriate

Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices:

Silver Spring Dental Center10301 Georgia Avenue Suite 202Silver Spring, MD 20902Phone: (301) 589-2545Privacy Officer: Dr. Samna Minhas, DDS

Complaints: You may file a complaint with us or with the Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

This Privacy Policy complies with HIPAA, Maryland state law, and applicable federal regulations governing healthcare privacy and website data collection.

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