Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

“The Smile Method,” “we,” or “us” refers to The Smile Method LLC, a dental practice operating in Gahanna and Columbus, Ohio, and the owner of this website.

2. Scope of This Privacy Policy

This policy covers personal information we collect and process when you use our website, visit our offices, opt in to SMS/MMS messaging, submit forms, or otherwise communicate with us.

3. What Data We Collect

• Identifiers: name, phone number, email, postal address, date of birth, device identifiers (e.g., IP, browser).
• Health & appointment data: treatment history, scheduling details, forms you submit.
• SMS/MMS data: mobile number, opt-in status, and message interactions (if you consent).
• Website usage & analytics: pages visited, time on site, cookies and similar technologies (Google Analytics via Site Kit; LiteSpeed/QUIC.cloud performance data).
• Communications: messages sent via contact forms, email, phone, or text.

4. How We Collect Data

• Directly from you when you complete forms, schedule appointments, or opt into SMS.
• Automatically via cookies, logs, and analytics when you use our site.
• From service providers that help operate our systems (hosting, analytics, scheduling) under contract.

5. Why We Use Your Data

• Provide dental services and maintain patient records.
• Schedule, confirm, and manage appointments.
• Send SMS/MMS reminders and important updates (if you consent).
• Improve our website, services, and patient experience.
• Billing, insurance, legal, regulatory, security, and fraud prevention.

6. SMS/MMS Messaging & Consent

We send text messages only to patients who provide express written consent.

• Message Description: Appointment reminders and confirmations, scheduling updates, and patient support from (614) 300-0748.
• Message Frequency: Varies by activity, typically a few messages per month.
• Rates: Message and data rates may apply.
• Opt-Out: Reply STOP to unsubscribe at any time.
• Help: Reply HELP or contact office@planforsmiles.com or (614) 300-0748.

7. How We Share Data

We do not sell or share your personal or mobile information for marketing or promotional purposes. We may share data only with:

• Authorized Smile Method staff for treatment and administration.
• HIPAA-compliant providers (hosting, analytics, billing, scheduling) under binding agreements.
• Regulators or authorities when required by law.

8. Data Transfers & External Disclosures

We do not transfer your personal information to external organizations beyond necessary processing by contracted vendors. We maintain strict technical and organizational safeguards—encryption, secure storage, and limited access—to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.

9. Retention Policy

Patient records are retained as required by Ohio law and HIPAA. Website analytics and cookie data may be retained up to 24 months (or as permitted by law and platform defaults).

10. Data Security

We use industry-standard protections (secure hosting, encryption, least-privilege access, training, audits). No system is perfectly secure, but we take reasonable steps to safeguard your information.

11. Your Privacy Rights

Where applicable, you may request to access, receive a copy of, correct, or delete certain personal data; restrict or object to processing; and withdraw consent for SMS or other optional processing. To exercise your rights, use the contact information below.

12. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies to improve site performance and understand usage. You may disable cookies in your browser settings; some features may not function properly without cookies.

13. HIPAA Notice

As a healthcare provider, we comply with HIPAA. Your Protected Health Information (PHI) is used and disclosed only as permitted by law. Our full HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices is available in-office upon request.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Updates will appear here with a revised effective date.

15. Contact Us