Dental Hygiene Program- Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Rights:

You have the right to:

• considerate and respectful care in a facility that meets the standards of the dental hygiene profession.
• receive complete and current information regarding your dental hygiene diagnosis, treatment needs to obtain optimal oral health and prognosis of your dental condition.
• receive all the information (in non-clinical terms) that you need to make knowledgeable decisions and provide informed consent before beginning any proposed procedure or treatment. You will be informed of recommended treatment, treatment alternatives, the approximate length of appointment(s), and the expected outcome of your treatment. You will have the option of refusing treatment and will be advised of the risk of no treatment.
• reasonable continuity and completion of care.
• privacy concerning your health care and assurance of confidentiality with all information and records regarding your care. All care received at the Harper College Dental Hygiene Clinic will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• know the identity and professional status of the student dental hygienist and the professional staff. Introductions of the individuals responsible for your care and their professional status in the clinic will be provided prior to examination and treatment by these individuals.
• receive an itemized bill and an explanation of all charges for the services provided by the dental hygiene clinic.
• receive assistance in the event of a medical emergency.
• receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.
• obtain a copy of your record for which the dental hygiene clinic can charge a reasonable fee.
• expect treatment in a safe, clean health care setting.

Responsibilities:

Your responsibility is to: 

• give your student dental hygienist and the Dental Hygiene Program faculty and staff the same respect and consideration.
• provide the student dental hygienist with an accurate history of past and present medical and dental conditions so that the student, faculty and supervising dentist can make the best decisions about your dental health needs.
• inform your student hygienist if you do not understand the information provided or the planned treatment.
• keep your appointments, arriving on time and remaining for the entire appointment and provide 48 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment.
• provide correct information regarding your name, address and phone number.
• pay the fees for the services provided by the dental hygiene clinic.
• provide accurate and complete information regarding your health status and medications.
• receive treatment without discrimination toward your student hygienist as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.
• pay the fee charged for duplication of your records.