Patient Rights & Responsibilities
Patients Rights:
Access to Care
Patients have the right to considerate, timely and respectful care.
Patients have the right to care and treatment regardless of race,
creed, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or source of
payment.
Access to Dental Information
Patients have the right to obtain from their caregivers all relevant,
current, and understandable information concerning their diagnosis,
treatment, and prognosis.
Access to Dental Records
Patients have the right to access their dental records upon request, and
to have the information explained or interpreted as necessary.
Confidentiality
Patients are assured that their dental records and discussions or
decisions about their care will be kept confidential.
Continuity of Care
Patients have the right to be informed of any indicated follow-up care.
Identity of Caregiver
Patients have the right to know the identity and professional status of
those who care for them.
Informed Consent
Patients have the right to request information regarding their treatment
and to know the risks, benefits, and alternatives before giving consent
for treatment. Life-threatening emergency care could be an exception.
Privacy
Patients have the right to every consideration of privacy. To the extent
possible, case discussion, consultation, examination, and treatment will
be conducted in a manner that protects each patient's privacy.
Patients can expect that their dental records will not be released
without their written consent, except when required by law or a third
party payer contract.
Safe and Clean Environment
Patients are entitled to a safe and clean environment. This includes the
expectation of compliance with infection control standards and a
smoke-free environment, as mandated by the University's smoke-free
policy.
Special Needs
Patients have the right to request assistance with any special needs.
These include vision and hearing impairment, communication limitations
(including understanding English), and consideration of special
religious or cultural practices.
Treatment Cost Information
Patients have the right to be informed about the costs of treatment and
to participate in treatment decisions. Patients have the right to be
informed of charge and payment options, and they are entitled to a full
explanation of their bill, regardless of their source of payment.
Patient Responsibilities:
Consideration
The College of Dentistry works to provide care efficiently and fairly to
all patients. Patients are responsible for being considerate of the
needs and property of other patients, students, staff, and the College.
Patients are responsible for being prompt in attending their
appointments, or for providing 24-hour advance notice to reschedule
their appointment.
Expenses
Patients have the responsibility to pay their bills when services are
rendered. This includes providing information for insurance and working
with the College to arrange payment when needed.
Information
Patients have a responsibility to provide complete information about
their health, including past illnesses, treatments, and use of all drugs
and medications.
Patients are responsible for asking questions when they do not
understand the information or instructions.
Patients have the responsibility of informing the management of the
OSU Dental Clinics or Dental Faculty Practice if they believe their
rights have been violated.
OSU Dental Clinics
Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
305 West 12th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210-1241 (614) 292-6983
OSU Dental Faculty Practice
Director
305 West 12th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210-1241
(614) 292-1472
