Patient's Bill of Rights

Patient's Bill of Rights

The doctors and staff of the Dental Care Center recognize that while you are a patient here you have a right, consistent with law to:

  1. Understand and use these rights. If for any reason you do not understand or you need help, the Dental Care Center will provide assistance, including an interpreter.

  2. Receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or source of payment.

  3. Receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints.

  4. Privacy in keeping with the Center's clinical facility while receiving treatment at the Center and confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care.

  5. Know the names, positions, and functions of any member of the faculty, student body and staff of the Dental Care Center, involved in your care and refuse their treatment, examination or observation.

  6. Have access to complete and current information about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

  7. Receive all the information that you need to give informed consent for any proposed procedure or treatment. This will include an explanation of recommended treatment, treatment alternatives, expected outcomes of various treatments, and the possible risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedures or treatments.

  8. Refuse treatment and be told what effect this may have on your health.

  9. Participate in decisions about your treatment.

  10. Continuity and completion of treatment.
  11. Treatment that meets the standard of care in the profession.

  12. Receive advanced knowledge of the cost of treatment and an itemized bill with explanation of all charges.

  13. Review your dental record without charge, and obtain a copy of your x-rays for which the Dental Care Center can charge a reasonable fee. You cannot be denied a copy solely because you cannot afford to pay.

  14. Receive Emergency care if you need it, provided that the care which is required can be delivered consistent with the educational program of the school and the personnel and facilities of the clinic.

  15. Refuse to take part in research. In deciding whether or not to participate, you have the right to a full explanation.

  16. Complain without fear of reprisals about the care and services you are receiving and to have the Dental Care Center respond to you, and if you request it, a written response. If you are not satisfied with the response, you can complain to the New York State Department of Health. The Dental Care Center must provide you with the telephone number of the Health Department.