Overview

This page explains how Kitto Family Dental collects and uses information on this website, and how we protect your health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Please review it carefully.

If you have questions about this notice, please contact our Privacy Officer using the information below.

Important: Website forms, email, and text messaging are not intended for urgent or emergency situations. If you have a dental emergency, call 911 or contact our office directly at (805) 922-4109.

Website Privacy

Information You Provide

When you submit a form, request an appointment, or contact us through this website, we may collect information such as your name, phone number, email address, and message content. This information is used only to respond to your inquiry or request.

Cookies and Analytics

We may use standard website technologies such as cookies and analytics tools to understand how visitors use our site, improve functionality, and maintain security. These tools may collect technical data such as browser type, device type, pages visited, and approximate location.

Online Advertising and Tracking

We may use online advertising and analytics services to help people find our practice. We do not knowingly collect protected health information (PHI) through advertising platforms. You may adjust your browser settings to limit tracking if desired.

Email, Text, and Contact Forms

Email and website forms may not be fully secure. Please do not submit highly sensitive medical or insurance information through online forms. For sensitive matters, please call our office.

Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13. If you believe a child has submitted personal information through this site, please contact us so we can address it appropriately.

HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

Our Legal Duties

Kitto Family Dental is required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information (PHI), provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and follow the terms of this notice.

Uses and Disclosures of PHI

We may use and disclose your PHI without your written authorization for the following purposes:

• Treatment: To provide and coordinate your dental care.
• Payment: To bill and collect payment for services.
• Healthcare Operations: For practice operations, quality assurance, training, and compliance.

Other Permitted Uses

We may disclose PHI as permitted or required by law for public health activities, health oversight, legal proceedings, law enforcement purposes, or to prevent a serious threat to health or safety.

Uses Requiring Authorization

Certain uses of PHI, including most marketing communications and disclosures of psychotherapy notes, require your written authorization. You may revoke authorization in writing at any time.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to or copies of your records
• Request corrections to your records
• Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
• Request confidential communications
• Receive a paper copy of this notice

Substance Use Disorder Records (42 CFR Part 2)

Certain substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records may be protected by federal law known as 42 CFR Part 2. These records are subject to additional confidentiality protections beyond HIPAA.

When applicable, Part 2-protected records may require specific patient consent for disclosure and are generally prohibited from being used against a patient in legal proceedings without proper authorization or court order.

These protections align with updated federal regulations with a compliance date of February 16, 2026.

Questions or Complaints

If you have questions about this notice or believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact:

Privacy Officer
Kitto Family Dental
937 E Main St STE 105
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Phone: (805) 922-4109

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy and Notice of Privacy Practices from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.