Office Policy for Children and Dependent Adults

Our privacy policies require that we only communicate with patients themselves, parents, court appointed guardians, insurance providers and primary care dentists/physicians, unless we have authorization in writing by the patient/ legal guardian to communicate with others on their behalf. Therefore, with all patients under the age of eighteen and dependent adults, our office requires that a parent or legal guardian accompany the patient to all appointments.

Our office has this strict policy for several reasons:

• Our office will not disclose any medical/dental information of a patient—including those patients under 18 years of age—unless it is the parent or legal guardian of the minor patient.
• A minor patient cannot consent to any required additional procedures, or to any changes in a treatment plan that could arise.
• A grandparent, personal care provider, another family member or friend cannot authorize treatment on your/ the patient's behalf.
• Our office cannot assume responsibility for the safety, care or whereabouts of a patient once the patient is discharged to a responsible adult caregiver.

Minor patients and dependent adults who present for an appointment without a proper guardian will not be seen and may incur cancelled appointment charges. 

Please contact our office to discuss alternatives if a parent or court appointed guardian cannot be present during dental appointments.

Please complete a "Release of Patient Information" form if you wish to authorize your spouse, another family member, personal care provider or friend to communicate with our office regarding your/ the patient’s ​dental treatment, medical history, financial information and/or appointments.

Thank you for your cooperation.