Dental Patient Rights and Responsibilities

• You have a right to choose your own dentist and schedule an appointment in a timely manner.
• You have a right to know the education and training of your dentist and the dental care team.
• You have a right to arrange to see the dentist every time you receive dental treatment, subject to any state law exceptions.
• You have a right to adequate time to ask questions and receive answers regarding your dental condition and treatment plan for your care.
• You have the right to know what the dental team feels is the optimal treatment plan as well as the right to ask for alternative treatment options.
• You have a right to an explanation of the purpose, probable (short and long-term) results, alternatives and risks involved before consenting to a proposed treatment plan.
• You have a right to be informed of continuing heath care needs.
• You have a right to know in advance the expected cost of treatment.
• You have a right to accept, defer or decline any part of your treatment recommendations.
• You have a right to reasonable arrangements for dental care and emergency treatment.
• You have a right to receive considerate, respectful and confidential treatment by your dentist and dental team.
• You have a right to expect the dental team members to use appropriate infection and sterilization controls.
• You have a right to inquire about the availability of processes to mediate disputes about your treatment.

(Adopted by the American Dental Association in 2009)

• You have the responsibility to provide, to the best of your ability, accurate, honest and complete information about your medical history and current health status.
• You have the responsibility to report changes in your medical status and provide feedback about your needs and expectations.
• You have the responsibility to participate in your health care decisions and ask questions if you are uncertain about your dental treatment or plan.
• You have the responsibility to inquire about your treatment options and acknowledge the benefits and limitations of any treatment that you choose.
• You have the responsibility for consequences resulting from declining treatment or from not following the agreed upon treatment plan.
• You have the responsibility to keep your scheduled appointments.
• You have the responsibility to be available for treatment upon reasonable notice.
• You have the responsibility to adhere to regular home oral health care recommendations.
• You have the responsibility to assure that your financial obligations for health care received are fulfilled.

(Adopted by the American Dental Association in 2009)

English - https://elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/hipaa/_documents/NPP/NPP_English_June_16_2016.pdf

Spanish - https://elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/hipaa/_documents/NPP/NPP_Spanish_June_16_2016.pdf

It is the responsibility of all Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic's faculty, students and staff to listen to patient concerns and complaints. To address a concern, you may contact a student, staff or faculty member directly, or please call 915-215-6700, option 5.

All complaints and concerns are confidential. Patients who express a complaint or concern will not have their treatment compromised in any way. The issue will be thoroughly investigated, and the outcome will be communicated to you.