Overview

Last Updated:10/06/2025

This privacy policy describes how Foothills Pediatric Dentistry (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, protects, and shares information when you visit our website, use our services, or communicate with us. We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about our data practices.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide to Us

We only have access to collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. This includes:

• Contact information (name, email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Appointment and scheduling information
• Insurance information and billing details
• Medical and dental history and treatment information
• Communications with our office (emails, phone calls, messages)
• Survey responses and feedback

Information Collected Automatically

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited on our website and time spent
• Referring website information
• Location data (general geographic area)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

Information from Third Parties

• Insurance verification services
• Credit reporting agencies (for payment processing)
• Marketing partners and referral sources
• Healthcare information exchanges (where applicable)

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide dental services and treatment
• Schedule and manage appointments
• Process payments and insurance claims
• Communicate with you about your care
• Respond to you regarding the reason you contacted us
• Send appointment reminders and follow-up messages
• Contact you via email about new services, for our marketing purposes, or changes to this privacy policy (unless you ask us not to)
• Improve our services and website functionality
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Protect against fraud and security threats

We will not sell or rent your information to anyone.

SMS/Text Messaging Services

Consent and Opt-In

By providing your mobile phone number and consenting to receive text messages, you agree to receive appointment reminders, promotional messages, and other communications via SMS. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.

We do not share your phone number or SMS opt-in information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Types of Messages

• Appointment confirmations and reminders
• Treatment follow-up messages
• Promotional offers and practice updates
• Emergency or urgent care notifications

Opt-Out

You can opt out of text messages at any time by:

• Replying “STOP” to any text message
• Calling our office at (864) 699-6382

Liability

We are not responsible for any charges, errors, or delays in SMS delivery caused by your carrier or third-party service providers.

By opting in, you confirm that you are the owner or authorized user of the phone number provided and that you are at least 18 years old.

HIPAA Compliance

All text messages containing health information are sent through HIPAA-compliant platforms that encrypt and secure your protected health information (PHI).

Phone Call Recording and Monitoring

Calls to and from our office may be recorded for quality assurance, training, and service improvement purposes. For recorded lines, when you call our office, you will hear an automated message notifying you that the call may be recorded. By continuing the call, you consent to the recording. If you do not wish to be recorded, you may:

Use of Call Recordings

We may use call recordings to:

• Train staff members on customer service best practices
• Resolve disputes or misunderstandings
• Ensure accuracy of appointment scheduling and information
• Transcribe and analyze calls using AI technology to improve service quality
• Verify information provided during conversations
• Comply with legal or regulatory requirements

Use of Artificial Intelligence and Automated Processing

We may use artificial intelligence and automated systems to:

• Analyze website usage patterns to improve user experience
• Provide chatbot services for basic inquiries
• Assist with appointment scheduling and reminders
• Transcribe and analyze recorded phone calls to assist in ensuring callers are receiving the best possible service
• Enhance security and fraud detection
• Improve diagnostic and treatment planning tools

You have the right to request human review of any automated decisions that significantly affect you.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and login information
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Provide targeted content and advertisements
• Ensure website security and functionality

You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

Third-Party Services and Data Sharing

Google reCAPTCHA

We use Google reCAPTCHA to prevent spam and abuse. This service analyzes various information including IP address, mouse movements, and length of stay on our website. Data is transferred to Google to determine if you are human or an automated bot. For more information, see Google’s privacy policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy and terms of service at https://policies.google.com/terms.

Other Third-Party Services

We may share information with:

• Healthcare providers involved in your care
• Insurance companies for claims processing
• Payment processors for billing
• Cloud storage and IT service providers
• Legal and compliance advisors
• Marketing and communication platforms

Business Associates

All third-party service providers that handle protected health information sign Business Associate Agreements ensuring HIPAA compliance.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on privacy and security
• Incident response procedures

Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide ongoing dental care
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain business records as required by law

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
• Opt out of marketing communications
• Request restrictions on how we use your information
• File a complaint with regulatory authorities

HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

As a healthcare provider, we are required to provide you with a separate Notice of Privacy Practices under HIPAA. This notice describes how we may use and disclose your protected health information and your rights regarding that information.

Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.

Changes to This Policy

This privacy policy may be updated without prior notice. Please check our website regularly for the most current version.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this privacy policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Foothills Pediatric Dentistry Address: 240 N Grove Med Pk Dr
Spartanburg, SC 29303 Phone: (864) 699-6382

If you feel that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should contact us immediately using the information above.

This privacy policy is effective as of 10/06/2025 and supersedes all previous versions.