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Patient Rights and Responsibilities

At Touro Dental Health, we prioritize transparency in your care. As a patient, understanding the guidelines we’ve put in place—from financial commitments to keeping appointments—ensures that we can provide you with high-quality, affordable treatment while supporting the educational mission of our institution.

Financial Responsibility

You are financially responsible for the treatment provided by Touro Dental Health. You will receive a treatment plan with fees according to our current fee schedule.  Because of our focus on education, we can offer our services at affordable fees that are lower than the cost of comparable procedures at most private practices. 

Your treatment and associated fees will be discussed with you before the treatment starts. Payment is required at the time of your appointment – we accept checks, cash, all major credit cards, New York State Medicaid Managed Care Dental Plans and most dental insurance. You will be responsible for any balance that might not be covered by your insurance carrier.

Treatment involving laboratory services requires a 50% down payment, with the remaining balance due upon completion. Any unpaid balance that remains outstanding for more than 60 days will result in a financial hold; however, the condition will be stabilized until treatment can resume. Treatment cannot continue until all balances have been paid in full.

Dental Insurance

Touro Dental Health accepts cash, checks, all major credit cards, most insurance plans (subject to deductibles and co-payments, and certain guidelines) and New York State Medicaid Managed Care Dental Plans. It is each patient’s responsibility to know his/ her dental insurance benefits, please check with your employer or insurance plan with questions about coverage.

Dental Medical Records

The dental medical record, radiographic images, photographs, videos, models and other diagnostic aids relating to your treatment are the property of Touro Dental Health. You have the right to inspect such materials and to request a copy of your dental medical records and radiographic images. A small fee is required for copying these items. You may also request to have your dental radiographic images sent to another health care provider by signing a Release of Information form. Touro Dental Health complies with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). You will receive separate information, forms and consents in that regard. In addition, your dental medical record may be used for instructional and educational purposes.

Prescription Databases

Some insurance companies, pharmacies, or other entities send information on current and past patient prescriptions to electronic databases. Touro Dental Health’s electronic record system may, from time to time, query available prescription databases and receive such information concerning your past prescriptions. These queries may not identify all your current and past prescriptions. Therefore, it is important for you to keep an up-to-date list and to provide this information to your provider.

Keeping Your Appointments

It is important for you to be on time for your appointments. If you find that you are unable to keep an appointment, you must notify the student dentist or the patient coordinator for the practice at least 48 hours in advance, or 72 hours in advance of a surgical and/or sedation procedure. A total of three cancellations without 48-hour notice, or three missed appointments, or repeated unsuccessful attempts to arrange an appointment, may result in the discontinuance of further treatment.

Patient Code of Conduct

You have a responsibility to be considerate and respectful of the rights of other patients and Touro Dental Health personnel and for respecting the property of other persons at Touro Dental Health.

  • Indiscriminate use of obscene language, inappropriate behavior, or gestures while at Touro College of Dental Medicine may result in dismissal.
  • Patients who are under or perceived to be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance will not be treated at that time and can be grounds for dismissal.
  • Inappropriate behavior or comments of a cultural, ethnic or sexual nature will not be tolerated and will result in you being discharged as a patient.
  • Patients are not permitted to transfer from one student to another based on race, creed, color, gender, national or ethnic origin, sexual preference or disability.

Patient's Bill of Rights

The doctors and staff of Touro College of Dental Medicine recognize that while you are a patient here you have the right, consistent with law, to:

  • Understanding and use these rights. If for any reason you do not understand or you need help, we will provide assistance, including an interpreter. 

  • Receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of payment or age.
  • Receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints. 

  • Receive emergency care if needed.
  • Be informed of the name and position of the persons who will be in charge of your care and names and position of administrative staff and refuse their treatment, examination or observation.
  • Receive complete information about your dental diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. 

  • Receive all the information that you need to give informed consent including possible risks and benefits for any proposed procedure or treatment. 

  • Refuse treatment and be told what effect this may have on your health.
  • Refuse to take part in research. In deciding whether to participate, you have the right to a full explanation. 

  • Privacy and confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care. 

  • Participate in all decisions regarding your treatment. 

  • Review your dental record without charge. Obtain a copy of your dental record for which we can charge a reasonable fee. You cannot be denied a copy solely because you cannot afford to pay. 

  • Receiving an itemized bill and explanation of all charges. 

  • Complain without fear of reprisals about the care and services that you are receiving and have the provider respond to you, and if you request it, a written response. If you are not satisfied with the response, you can complain your concerns to the faculty or to the Director of Clinical Operations at 914-594-2707 and if you are still not satisfied, you may contact the New York State Health Department, and you will be provided their telephone number.