Patient Rights

Our commitment to you, our patient:

At Aria Dental, we believe health is a human right. Every person deserves to live their healthiest life. Our mission calls for us to care for all by honoring the dignity and diversity of each person. We welcome you, at every stage of life, and we are committed to providing dental care that recognizes and affirms you as a whole person.

We strive to create a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for you. You can count on us to hear you, understand you and work with you to meet your oral health goals.

More than a place of oral health, we’re committed to eliminating health inequities, including giving everyone equitable access to safe, high-quality, effective care. We will not discriminate, and you can expect care that is free of prejudice.

We thank you for entrusting us with your oral care – it is our greatest responsibility and honor. 

As our patient, you have these rights:

To respect, dignity, and justice

You have the right to receive considerate, compassionate, confidential and respectful care. You will be treated with dignity, and therefore be free from neglect, exploitation, abuse, harassment, racism, or discrimination. All patients have the right to be free from physical or mental abuse, and corporal punishment. Aria Dental will provide high-quality, inclusive oral care to all that visit us. We see you as the unique person you are, and we will provide your care in a culturally responsive manner.

We respect and diligently care for all individuals accessing services. We welcome people of all races, ages, creeds, ethnicities, cultures, national origins, citizenship, languages and/or immigration statuses, economic statuses, the source of payment for care, religions, traditions, practices, and ancestries. We honor and respect all marital, domestic partnership, or civil unions, appearances and body sizes, sexes, sexual orientations, and gender identities or expressions. We welcome and provide equitable care for all physical or psychiatric or intellectual disabilities, handicaps or abilities, medical conditions (including HIV/AIDS status, cancer, genetic, substance use, and eating disorders), family medical histories, veteran or military statuses, and any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

To a safe environment

You have the right to receive care in a safe setting, to access protective and advocacy services, and to be free from abuse and harassment.

To be free of restraint or seclusion 

You have the right to be free from restraint or seclusion. The use of restraint or seclusion for the following reasons is prohibited: based on the patient’s race, color, national origin, age, disability (recognized by anti-discrimination laws), or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression), and all other categories protected under the law.  Our staff members receive education and training (in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements) on the assessment of patients who exhibit behaviors that may inhibit the patient’s ability to protect themselves and others from harm or injury. 

To discuss and participate in your health care decisions

You have the right to discuss, ask questions about, and make decisions regarding your care. You know yourself best, which is why we listen to your oral health goals and partner with you to achieve them. You will have your personal, cultural and spiritual values, preferences, and beliefs honored when deciding about treatment. If you desire, your trusted decision maker or others of your choosing may participate in decisions about your care. You also have the right to request to be referred out to another general dentist or specialist.

To have your wishes honored

You have the right to have your treatment decisions respected. If you become unable to speak for yourself in making decisions about your care, we will respect the decisions of the person you named as your power of attorney for health care, health care agent, or trusted decision maker. If your advance directive or other advance care planning document indicates preferences regarding specific treatments, we will honor your choices within the limitations imposed by your condition. 

To informed consent and declination of care

You have the right to be informed by your doctor of your diagnosis and treatment in a way that you understand so that you can make informed decisions regarding your oral care. To the degree possible, this should be based on an explanation of your condition and all proposed procedures and treatments, including the possibility of any serious risks or side effects, problems related to recovery, and the probability of success. In addition, you have the right to understand the risks and benefits of not having the proposed procedures and treatment. Patients and designees have the right, to the greatest extent possible, to participate in decisions concerning patient oral care. This includes the right to decline treatment or leave Aria Dental.

To continuity of care

You have a right to receive information that allows you to understand the choices that you have as we assist you in planning for continued oral care needs that may exist when you leave our care and facilities. This includes referring you to another facility or specialist(s).

To adequate pain control 

You have the right to have your pain managed while receiving care and services.

To communicate about your care

You are encouraged to learn and ask questions about the treatment you are receiving. If necessary, you may obtain an interpreter from a civil rights coordinator or other means to fully understand the oral care being given to you or proposed.

To your dental records

You have the right to receive information about your health status, diagnosis, prognosis, course of treatment, prospects for recovery, and outcomes of care in terms you can understand.  You have the right to access your medical records. You will receive a separate Notice of Privacy Practices that explains your rights to access your records.

To privacy and confidentiality

You have the right to confidential treatment of all communications and records pertaining to your care.  You will receive a separate Notice of Privacy Practices that explains your privacy rights in detail and how we may use and disclose your dental or medical information.  You have the right to have your personal privacy respected.  case discussion, consultation, examination, and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discreetly. 

To voice complaints about your care and receive a response from us

You have the right to voice concerns or complaints about your care and to receive a response from us, without impacting the quality or delivery of your care.

To understand your financial responsibility and options for assistance 

As our patient, you can request a cost estimate, and you have the right to receive a copy of a clear, understandable itemized bill. Upon request, you can also have the charges explained.

To information on care facility policies

If requested, you will receive information about our policies, rules, or regulations applicable to your care.

As a patient, family member, or company you have responsibilities.

Aria Dental is a place of holistic and biological oral care where patients should feel welcome, safe, and respected. We ask and expect all people who come through our doors or seek care with us to behave in a manner that honors everyone’s dignity, and helps us to provide high-quality, compassionate care. Our staff members are chosen for their skill and expertise and their safety is paramount.  Harassment or mistreatment of our staff will not be tolerated.

While in our care, we expect the following of you: