Policies

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

WELCOME

We are pleased that you have selected the UNC School of Dentistry for your dental care. The School is a research and teaching institution with a commitment to the education of health care professionals. Adults and children who receive care in our clinical programs are vitally important participants in this process. For that reason, we expect to make your experience a healthy and satisfying one.

We are committed to the highest quality of care. To do this, the patient, or parent of patients, and dental professionals must work together to develop the best relationships. A better understanding of your oral condition and your rights and responsibilities in the treatment of that condition will contribute to better care and greater satisfaction for all concerned. We realize that no set of guidelines can ever fully describe the special relationship that exists between you and your doctor. The purpose of this brochure is to enhance the mutual trust, cooperation and respect that surround this relationship.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A PATIENT

YOU AS A PERSON.....We are not only interested in providing you with the best dental care, but also in recognizing and respecting your dignity as a human being. You should expect to be treated with consideration and respect regardless of your race, creed, national origin, age, disability, sex, or source of payment.

SERVICES YOU NEED.....Within its capacity, the School will provide diagnostic and treatment services consistent with the urgency of your needs. We will inform you about what we can and cannot provide and help in making referrals for treatment elsewhere. When your relationship with the School ends, for whatever reason, we will tell you about your further treatment needs.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PLAN OF CARE.....You are entitled to a clear explanation of your dental problems, what treatment is recommended, what the alternatives are as well as any risks involved, the estimated costs, who will provide your care and approximately how long it may take. Complications encountered during therapy that may alter your plan of care or affect the outcome of your treatment also will be explained to you.

CONSENT AND REFUSAL OF TREATMENT.....You have the right to participate in decisions about your dental treatment and to have any questions answered before making a decision. Any treatment you receive will meet appropriate standards of care. You may refuse treatment and expect to be informed of the possible consequences of your decision.

CONFIDENTIALITY.....Discussions about your care will be done with as much consideration for your privacy as possible. A copy of your treatment record will not be released without your written permission, except as required through an insurance contract or by law. You have the right to read your dental record and to have the information explained as necessary.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A PATIENT

As a patient or the parent of a patient in our programs, your responsibilities are:

• To be considerate and respectful of other patients, students, faculty and staff of the School.

• To share honestly and completely information about your medical and dental history, previous illnesses, hospitalizations, exposure to communicable diseases, medications you are taking, allergies, and your current medical care.

• To let us know when there are changes in your general health condition, and when you experience unusual discomfort or complications following a treatment procedure.

• To ask questions so that you can better understand the nature of your dental condition and the treatment provided.

• To follow the instructions you are given.

• To be available for services you need, keep your scheduled appointments, and arrive for appointments on time.

• To pay for all services when received unless other arrangements have been approved in our Patient Accounting Office.

YOU HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE ON OUR STAFF

Our Patient Care Coordinators are available from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday to assist with any questions, concerns or problems you have about your treatment. Contact them at (919) 966-2810.

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