Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Thank you for choosing the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for your care. We believe dental care works best when we partner with you – based on mutual trust, respect, and clear communication.

This page explains what you can expect from us – and what we ask from you – to support safe, respectful, and effective care. 

If you have questions, just ask!

What you can expect from us

• Respectful, confidential care: We treat all patients with care and consideration, and we respect your personal values. Your health information will be kept private, as required by law.
• Team-based approach: Your care team may include students, residents, licensed faculty, and hygienists. We will clearly explain your treatment and how to reach us in case of emergency.
• Clear communication: We will explain your diagnosis, treatment options, and estimated costs in a way and language you can understand. You may withdraw your consent to treatment or stop treatment at any time.
• Follow-up care guidance: We will explain what to expect after treatment and help you plan next steps.

What we ask of you

• Be respectful: Treat all staff, providers, students, and fellow patients with respect and courtesy. Disruptive, threatening, or harassing behavior may result in removal from the clinic and/or dismissal from care.
• Keep appointments: Arrive on time. If you’re more than 15 minutes late, we may need to reschedule. Call at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule.

• Provide accurate health information: Tell us about your health, medical history, and medications so we can provide safe and appropriate care.
• Follow the agreed treatment plan: Take part in care decisions. Follow the plan we agree on and maintain good oral hygiene between visits.
• Ask questions: If anything is unclear, ask. Make sure you understand your treatment options before proceeding.
• Respect the learning environment: As a dental school, our providers include supervised students. Your patience helps support their education and ensure quality care.  Because we are a teaching clinic, appointments may take longer than in a private dental office and more visits may be needed to complete your care.
• Pay for services: Payment is due at the time of service unless you have made prior arrangements. Treatment fees are estimates and may change if your treatment plan changes.  Bring your insurance card and notify us of any billing or coverage changes.
• Limit distractions: Please silence and put away phones during your visit. Audio or video recording is not allowed due to HIPAA policies unless approved for educational purposes.

Privacy rights

As allowed under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, you have the right to:

• Request a copy of your dental records
• Request corrections to your information
• Request a record of who has accessed your information for reasons other than treatment, payment or healthcare operations
• Ask for limits on how your health information is used or shared
• Choose how and where we contact you

Minors

Patients under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Children not receiving care cannot be in the treatment area.

Interpreter services

We offer free interpreter services. Let us know if you need help understanding this document or communicating during your visit.

Service animals

We follow all applicable laws regarding the use of service animals for individuals with disabilities.
Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted in the 
building.

Behavior expectations

To keep our clinic safe and comfortable, we do not allow:

• Physical violence or assault
• Verbal harassment or threats
• Abusive, profane, or discriminatory language
• Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs

These behaviors may result in removal from the clinic, security involvement, and/or dismissal from care.

Questions?

If you have concerns about your care, contact the University of Louisville School of Dentistry Office of Quality Assurance.  
Phone: 502-852-1187 
Email: dentalQA@louisville.edu