Patient Rights
We respect your rights as a patient and recognize that you are an individual with unique healthcare needs. As your partners in oral health, we have identified the specific rights you can expect while in our care.
Patient Privacy
We protect the privacy and security of our patient health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Language Assistance
Our clinics will take reasonable steps to provide translation services to patients with limited English proficiency upon request. This service will assist with discussion of your dental care. Family or friends cannot act as translators.
Release of Records
Patients can receive copies of their dental record and/or radiographs (x-rays) upon request. A photo ID is required to process all requests for record release or transfer.
New Patients
New patient information brochures are available in the following languages:
Parking and Transportation
Directions, parking, and public transportation information can be found on our Contact Us page.
No Surprise Act: Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills
Good Faith Estimate
Under the Federal No Surprise Act, health care providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance a good faith estimate of the bill for dental services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any items or services scheduled at least three business days in advance, unless it is an emergency.
- You should receive a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your dental service or item, unless you requested and consented for service immediately. You can also ask your provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill in the federal patient-provider Select Dispute Resolution Process.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
Requesting a Good Faith Estimate
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry and UT Dentists are happy to provide estimates for services for patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance. In order to enhance accuracy when you request an estimate, please provide the procedure code (CDT/CPT) for the services that are of interest.
This information can be provided to you assigned clinic. It is important to ensure you are being provided an estimate for the appropriate treatment or procedure in writing (email or mail) within 2-3 business days.
For more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Additional Questions? Contact your assigned clinic.
Medical Records
In accordance with House Bill 4224 (89th Regular Session) and Section 181.105, Texas Health & Safety Code, licensees are required to provide detailed instructions for consumers to: (1) request health care records; (2) contact the relevant disciplinary/licensing authority; and (3) file a consumer complaint with the Office of the Attorney General.
Patients may request and copy records, request restrictions, request confidential communications, request an amendment or addendum, or request an accounting of disclosures from a UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry clinic:
- Visiting UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry - Health Information Management
- Mailing: 7500 Cambridge Street, Suite 1332, Houston, TX 77054
- Emailing: [email protected]
- Faxing: 713-486-4322
Contacting Relevant Licensing Authorities and Filing a Consumer Complaint
Patients can find more information on specific health care agencies responsible for licensing providers and how to file consumer complaints with those agencies on the Office of the Attorney General’s webpage, Health Care List of Agencies: The Texas Medical Records Privacy Act.