Last Updated: January 1, 2026
Applies to:
Androscoggin Valley Dental (“we,” “us,” or “our”) and our website and any pages we own or operate (collectively, the “Site”).
Important HIPAA note:
This Website Privacy Policy explains how we handle personal information collected through our website (for example, contact forms, online scheduling, payments, and cookies). It is not the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP), which describes how protected health information (PHI) is used and disclosed in connection with clinical care, treatment, and healthcare operations.
1) Information We Collect
We collect the following categories of information:
Identifiers & contact details
Information you provide when submitting forms or requests through the Site, such as name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.
Health or appointment context (voluntarily provided)
Information you choose to include in website messages or appointment requests (for example, reason for visit). If PHI is received through our systems, it is handled in accordance with HIPAA and applicable safeguards once received.
Internet & technical data
Information such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages viewed, and time spent on the Site, collected via cookies or similar technologies.
Payment or financing information
If you make a payment or apply for financing through third-party providers, that information is processed by those providers and not stored directly on our website.
Testimonials or reviews
Information you submit or authorize us to display publicly.
Approximate geolocation
Derived from IP address or browser-based location settings if enabled.
Children’s data
Our Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children without verifiable parental consent.
2) How We Use Information
We use information collected through the Site to:
- Respond to inquiries and requests
- Schedule appointments and manage patient communications
- Operate, maintain, and improve the Site
- Provide customer service and administrative notices
- Send marketing communications where legally permitted and with appropriate consent
- Detect, prevent, and respond to security incidents or misuse
- Comply with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations
3) Cookies, Analytics & Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to support Site functionality and understand usage patterns.
HIPAA reminder:
We avoid sending protected health information (PHI) to analytics or advertising platforms. Our configuration is intended to prevent PHI from appearing in URLs, events, or tracking data.
You may control cookies through your browser settings. Some Site features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.
Where required by law, we honor applicable opt-out signals and privacy preferences.
4) reCAPTCHA & Bot Protection
We may use Google reCAPTCHA or similar tools to protect forms from spam and abuse. When reCAPTCHA is used, Google may collect device and usage information subject to Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
5) Vendors, Business Associates & Disclosures
We may share information with:
- Service providers (hosting, website tools, communications, security, analytics) who are contractually restricted to using information for our purposes
- HIPAA Business Associates, where applicable, with appropriate agreements and safeguards in place
- Third-party platforms you choose to interact with (such as financing or scheduling services), which operate under their own privacy policies
- Legal or regulatory authorities when required by law
- Successor entities in the event of a merger, sale, or business transfer
We do not sell protected health information.
6) Data Security
We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information and electronic protected health information (ePHI) consistent with applicable laws and risk-based security practices.
7) Data Retention
Information is retained only as long as necessary to provide services, meet legal or regulatory requirements, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Healthcare records are retained in accordance with applicable laws and professional requirements.
8) Your Choices & Rights
- Email communications: You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time. Transactional or administrative messages may still be sent.
- Text messages: Where applicable, marketing SMS messages require consent and include opt-out instructions.
- Cookies & tracking: Browser controls allow you to manage cookies and tracking preferences.
- State privacy rights: Depending on your state of residence, you may have rights to access, correct, or delete certain personal information and to opt out of specific data uses.
To submit a privacy request or inquiry, contact us using the information below.
9) Children’s Privacy
The Site is not intended for children under 13. If we learn that personal information from a child has been collected without proper consent, we will take steps to delete it.
10) Breach Notification (PHI)
If a breach of unsecured protected health information occurs, we will provide notifications as required by HIPAA and applicable state laws.
11) Third-Party Links & Embedded Services
Our Site may link to or embed third-party services (such as maps, reviews, scheduling tools, or videos). Those third parties govern their own privacy practices, and we are not responsible for their content or data handling.
12) Not for Emergencies
Online forms and messages are not monitored 24/7 and should not be used for emergencies. In an emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical care.
13) Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The “Last Updated” date reflects the effective date of the current version.
14) Contact Us
Androscoggin Valley Dental
Address:
301 Pleasant St.
Berlin, NH 03570
Email: mail@androscogginvalleydental.com
Phone: (603) 752-2013