Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Principles of Patient Care

The fundamental mission of the University of Iowa Dental Clinic is to provide the highest quality dental care to our patients in an efficient, effective, safe and caring manner, thus promoting an optimum learning and working environment for our students, staff and faculty.  As the state’s only dental school, we are keenly aware of our stewardship to advance dental science and translate it into effective methods of patient care.   

The following are what each patient should expect as we strive to provide the highest quality care.

Patient Rights:

v    To be treated respectfully and with consideration by students, faculty and staff.

v    To receive dental treatment that meets the standard of care in the profession.

v    To receive the information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment so that you will understand the purpose, probable results, alternatives, and risks involved, and to participate actively (with family members when appropriate) in decisions regarding your dental care.

v    To understand the purpose, probable results, alternatives, and risks involved, and to participate actively (with family members when appropriate) in decisions regarding your dental care.

v    To be able to discontinue treatment at any time and to be informed of the medical and dental consequences of your actions.

v    To receive reasonable continuity of care (keeping in mind the constraints of the academic schedule) and that care will follow a comprehensive and properly sequenced treatment plan.

v    To expect that emergency treatment be available at all times.  Treatment on an emergency basis will usually consist of providing relief of pain and/or swelling.

v    To be able to discuss any questions with a patient advocate, a patient service representative, or a member of the faculty or staff.

v    To receive an advance estimate of the cost of your dental treatment as well as continuing  explanations of your bill, as requested.

 Regarding Health Information, the patient has the right:

v    To expect that all communications and records pertaining to your care will be treated as confidential within the dental care team.

v    To request and receive copies of your record of treatment in our clinics.  (A duplicating fee will be charged.)

v    To receive a list describing how we or our business associates disclose your health information for purposes other than treatment, payment, and healthcare operations for the last 6 years.  This applies to any disclosure made after April 14, 2003.

v    To request that we place additional restrictions on our use or disclosure of your health information.

v    To request in writing that we amend your health information.

v    To receive a copy of The University of Iowa College of Dentistry Notice of Privacy Policies.

The provision of health care is a partnership between the patient and the provider.  Therefore, the patient has responsibilities to ensure the successful provision of dental care.  Some of those responsibilities are as follows:

Patient Responsibilities:

v    Accurate Information: To report changes in health status and to give accurate and complete dental and medical information.

v    Respect: To be respectful of clinic personnel and other patients as well as clinic property.

v    Keep Appointments: To attend scheduled appointments promptly, or call to make necessary changes in  appointments as early as possible.

v    Follow Clinic Rules: To abide by collegiate rules and regulations, as informed by collegiate personnel.

v    Pay Bills: To pay promptly all charges for treatment received.

v    Follow Recommendations: To help maintain personal dental health by following the practitioner’s oral  hygiene recommendations.

v    Child Care: To make arrangements for the care of small children or dependent adults during dental appointments.