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Patient's Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

Pitt Dental Medicine Patient's Bill of Rights and Responsibilities is presented to patients as part of the School of Dental Medicine Packaged Consent in recognition that a personal relationship between the treating dentist and the patient is essential for the provision of dental care.

Patient’s Rights

We expect that the following rights will contribute to more effective patient care and greater satisfaction for the patient, the patient’s treating resident/student, and Pitt Dental Medicine.  We propose that the following guidelines form a structure with which successful, comfortable, and satisfying dental care may be given and received.

  1. The patient has a right to considerate and respectful care.
  2. The patient has the right to expect from the treating dental provider, complete, current information concerning diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms the patient can understand.  If the condition or age of the patient does not permit this to occur, the information will be made available to the appropriate person on the patient’s behalf.
  3. The patient has the right to receive appropriate accommodations related to disabilities as needed.
  4. The patient has the right to expect information sufficient to give informed consent prior to the beginning of any treatment procedure. Except in severe emergencies, information for informed consent should include, but not be limited to, the specific procedures and treatment, the risks (if any) involved, and the probable costs.
  5. The patient has the right to learn of treatment alternatives, refuse treatment, but he/she will be informed of the possible consequences of this decision.
  6. The patient has the right to every consideration of his/her privacy concerning dental care.  Sharing of information related to the patient’s dental care will be limited to those Pitt Dental Medicine representatives who are on need to know basis. Confidentiality will be maintained regarding all records pertaining to patient care, except when appropriate consent is given.
  7. The patient has the right to expect that his/her care meets the standards of care of the profession.
  8. Once accepted for treatment by Pitt Dental Medicine (for patients seeking comprehensive care with non-emergent needs), the patient has the right to expect prompt and continuing care to completion, unless circumstances do not allow.
  9. The patient has the right to emergency care as needed.
  10. The patient has the right to request and examine an itemized total bill.
  11. The patient has the right to decide to participate or refuse to participate as a subject in a research project.  This decision will have no effect upon access to continuing care and the patient will be so informed.  Agreement to participate in a research project will be in writing.
  12. The patient has the right to know the regulations of Pitt Dental Medicine that apply to his/her conduct as a patient.
  13. The patient has the right to expect Pitt Dental Medicine to provide only those services that the attending practitioners determine to be appropriate and necessary.

Patient’s Responsibilities

  1. The patient shall provide, to the best of his/her knowledge, truthful responses to requests for information, to include accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters pertaining to his/her health.
  2. The patient shall make it known to the appropriate practitioner whether he/she clearly understands the course of treatment and what is expected of him/her.
  3. The patient is responsible for following the recommended instructions and treatment deemed by the provider as in the best interests of the patient, to include but not limited to follow-up treatment instructions.
  4. The patient is responsible for his/her actions, if he/she refuses treatment or does not follow the instructions of the practitioner.
  5. The patient is responsible for keeping appointments, and, when unable to do so for any reason, to notify the practitioner or Pitt Dental Medicine.
  6. The patient (or the legally responsible party) is responsible for assuring that the financial obligation is fulfilled promptly.
  7. The patient is responsible for being considerate of the rights of other persons and Pitt Dental Medicine.
  8. The patient shall understand that Pitt Dental Medicine may choose to discontinue care to a patient who does not adhere to these guidelines and/or other school/patient policies offered to the patient in writing.

The above information also may be found in the School of Dental Medicine Packaged Consent patient packet, section 7.4.1.1 Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.