Effective Date: August 10, 2026

Introduction

Kathy Zahedi DDS & Associates (“we,” “our,” “us,” or “the practice”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients’ and website visitors’ personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use and share it, and the rights and choices available to you. It applies both to information collected in our office and to information collected through our website, https://kathyzahedidds.com (the “Site”).

Our use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) is also governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and our Notice of Privacy Practices, which is available upon request at our office. If there is any conflict between this Privacy Policy and our Notice of Privacy Practices with respect to PHI, the Notice of Privacy Practices controls.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information from you:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Date of birth
• Insurance information
• Emergency contact information
• Payment and billing information

Health Information

We may collect the following health-related information:

• Medical history
• Dental history
• Treatment plans
• X-rays and other diagnostic images
• Medication details
• Notes and reports from your dental care providers

Information Collected Through Our Website

When you visit or interact with our Site, we may collect:

• Contact form and appointment request information — such as your name, email address, phone number, insurance status, and the details of your inquiry.
• Live chat information — if you use the chat feature on our Site, the contents of your chat and any contact details you provide may be collected and processed by our chat service provider on our behalf.
• Usage and device information — such as IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, referring/exit pages, date and time of visits, and pages viewed, collected automatically through log files, cookies, and similar technologies.

Please do not submit detailed medical or dental history through website forms or chat; this information is best shared directly with our team in the office or by phone.

Cookies and Analytics

Our Site uses cookies and similar technologies to help it function properly, remember your preferences, and understand how visitors use the Site so we can improve it. We may use third-party analytics services that collect usage information on our behalf. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings; note that some features of the Site may not function properly without them.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• To provide, manage, and coordinate dental care and treatment
• To respond to inquiries and appointment requests submitted through our Site, by phone, or by chat
• To communicate with you regarding appointments, treatments, and services
• To process insurance claims and manage billing and payment
• To send appointment reminders and, with your consent, other communications
• To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• To operate, secure, and improve our Site and services and the quality of care we provide

Text Message (SMS) Communications

If you provide your mobile phone number, we may send you text messages related to your care, such as appointment confirmations and reminders. Message and data rates may apply, and message frequency varies. You may opt out of text messages at any time by replying STOP, or reply HELP for assistance. Your mobile information will not be sold or shared with third parties for their own promotional or marketing purposes.

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with the following entities under specific circumstances:

• Healthcare Providers: Other dental and medical professionals involved in your care, including the specialty providers who practice within our office.
• Insurance Companies: For the purpose of processing claims and obtaining payment.
• Business Associates and Service Providers: Third parties who perform functions on our behalf—such as billing, IT support, website hosting, chat, scheduling, and communications services—under contracts requiring them to safeguard your information.
• Legal and Regulatory Authorities: When required by law, to comply with legal process, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of our patients, staff, or others.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a sale, merger, or reorganization of the practice, subject to applicable law.

Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal and health information:

• Access: You have the right to access and obtain a copy of your information.
• Amendment: You have the right to request an amendment to your information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete.
• Restriction: You have the right to request a restriction on the use or disclosure of your information.
• Confidential Communications: You have the right to request that we communicate with you in a specific manner or at a specific location.
• Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your information.
• Complaints: You have the right to file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. You will not be penalized or retaliated against for filing a complaint.

California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CCPA/CPRA), may provide you with additional rights regarding personal information that is not covered by HIPAA or other medical privacy laws, including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to request deletion or correction of your personal information, and the right not to receive discriminatory treatment for exercising your rights. Medical information governed by HIPAA and California's Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA) is generally exempt from the CCPA/CPRA. To exercise any applicable rights, please contact us using the information below.

Data Security

We implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Despite these measures, no security system is impenetrable, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. In the event of a breach affecting your protected health information, we will notify you as required by law.

Data Retention

We retain patient records and personal information for as long as necessary to provide care, to comply with our legal and professional obligations (including record-retention requirements under California law), to resolve disputes, and to enforce our agreements. When information is no longer required, we dispose of it securely.

Children's Privacy

We provide dental care to patients of all ages with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Our website, however, is not directed to children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information through our Site, please contact us so we can delete it.

Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms and mapping or scheduling services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy on our website with a revised effective date, and we encourage you to review this page periodically.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, or if you wish to exercise any of your rights, please contact us at:

Kathy Zahedi DDS & Associates
1450 10th St #400
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 393-0195
Email: kathyzahedidds@gmail.com

By receiving services from Kathy Zahedi DDS & Associates or using our Site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.