Applicability: School wide
Audience: Patients
Public: Yes
Policy Number: CLIN-GEN-002-01-2025
Policy Contact(s): Dan Larson, Senior Administrator
Contact Email: dlarson3@uw.edu
Contact Phone: 206.221.5598
I. Introduction
Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to explain how the University of Washington School of Dentistry collects, uses, and protects personal information when individuals consent to receive SMS (text) messages from the School.
Scope of Applicability
This Policy applies to all patients and individuals who opt in to receive SMS messages from the University of Washington School of Dentistry.
II. Definitions
A. SMS (Short Message Service)
A communication service that allows the sending of text messages to mobile devices.
B. Personal Information
Information that identifies or can be used to identify an individual, including mobile phone numbers collected during registration or appointment processes.
III. Policy
Policy Statement
The University of Washington School of Dentistry is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who opt in to receive SMS messages. Mobile phone numbers and any associated personal information will be used only for communicating relevant dental service information and will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.
There are no exceptions to this Policy unless required by law or regulation, or as permitted in the University’s Notice of Privacy Practices.
IV. Procedures
When a patient or individual consents to receive SMS messages:
The School collects and stores the individual’s mobile phone number and other voluntarily provided identifying information.
The mobile number is used solely for:
- Appointment reminders and confirmations
- Registration and account information
- Updates about dental services or operations (e.g., closures or schedule changes)
Terms of use:
- Message and data rates may apply.
- Message frequency may vary.
- To opt out of SMS messaging at any time, individuals may reply “STOP.”
- For help, individuals may reply “HELP” or visit the School’s Contact Us page.
V. References, Links
- Telephone Consumer Protection Act (PDF)
- UW School of Dentistry Notice of Privacy Practices (PDF)
- HIPAA Privacy Rule (45 CFR Part 160 and Subparts A and E of Part 164)
Appendices
Version Control
5/6/2025: Initial policy established