Effective Date: October 15, 2026 · Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Zent Family Dentistry (“Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information through our website, patient communications, and SMS/text-messaging program.
1. Information we collect
Depending on your interactions with our Practice, we may collect information such as:
- Contact information, including name, phone number, email address, and mailing address.
- Appointment, scheduling, and communication-preference information.
- Information you provide when contacting us, submitting a form, or communicating by text.
- SMS enrollment, consent, opt-out, and messaging records.
- Patient health information, insurance information, payment information, and other information needed to provide care and operate our practice.
- Website usage information, such as cookies or analytics data, if those tools are used on our website.
2. How we use information
We may use information to schedule and manage appointments; send reminders, confirmations, routine-care notices, and office updates; respond to inquiries; administer patient accounts and billing; operate, maintain, and improve our services; record communication preferences and honor opt-out requests; protect the security of our systems; and comply with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations.
3. SMS/text messaging and mobile information
If you opt in, we may use your mobile number to send the types of text messages described in our Terms of Service, subject to your preferences and applicable law. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance.
We do not sell mobile phone numbers, SMS opt-in data, or messaging consent. No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes. We may share information with service providers that help us operate and deliver our messaging program, but only as needed for those services and subject to applicable restrictions. SMS opt-in data and consent will not be shared with third parties for their own marketing or promotional purposes.
4. How we may disclose information
We may disclose information to service providers supporting practice operations—such as appointment scheduling, patient communications, electronic records, billing, and information technology—when needed to provide their services. We may also disclose information when authorized by you, when necessary to provide care or operate the Practice, when required or permitted by law, or to respond to lawful requests and protect the rights, safety, and security of patients, staff, and the Practice. Any disclosure of protected health information is subject to applicable privacy requirements.
5. Health information and HIPAA
If the Practice is subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), protected health information is handled in accordance with applicable HIPAA requirements and our separate Notice of Privacy Practices. This Privacy Policy does not replace that Notice. If there is a conflict concerning protected health information, the applicable Notice of Privacy Practices and governing law control. Our in-office Privacy Policy Consent form is also available for patients.
Text messages may not be fully secure and may be visible to others who can access your device, notifications, or mobile account. Please avoid sending sensitive medical or financial information by ordinary text unless our office directs you to an approved secure method.
6. Data security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the information we maintain. No method of electronic transmission or storage is guaranteed to be completely secure. We review and update safeguards as appropriate to our operations and legal obligations.
7. Data retention
We retain information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, including providing care, maintaining patient and consent records, honoring communication preferences, complying with legal and professional requirements, and resolving disputes. Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and applicable law.
8. Your choices and requests
You may contact our office to update your contact information, ask questions about our privacy practices, or change your text-messaging preferences. You may opt out of texts at any time by replying STOP. Depending on applicable law and the type of information involved, you may have rights to access, amend, or request restrictions on certain information. Requests concerning medical records will be handled under applicable law and our Notice of Privacy Practices.
9. Cookies and third-party services
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to support functionality or understand website usage, if enabled. Our website may also link to third-party websites or services. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies, and we encourage you to review those policies before providing information.
10. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post updates on our website and revise the Effective Date. For significant changes, we may provide additional notice when appropriate or required by law.
11. Contact us
For questions or requests related to this Privacy Policy, contact:
- Zent Family Dentistry
- 3410 Douglas Rd, South Bend, IN 46635
- Phone: (574) 234-4117
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.zentfamilydentistry.com/