Terms of Service

Introduction

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your relationship with Madderra Dental Spa ("Practice," "we," "our," or "us") and your use of our website and dental services. By scheduling an appointment, receiving treatment, or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Patient-Practice Relationship

Establishment of Relationship

A patient-dentist relationship is established when you schedule and attend an appointment for examination or treatment. This relationship continues until terminated by either party with reasonable notice, except in emergency situations.

Patient Responsibilities

• Provide complete and accurate medical and dental history
• Inform us of any changes to your health status, medications, or allergies
• Arrive on time for scheduled appointments
• Follow post-treatment instructions and care recommendations
• Maintain regular preventive care appointments as recommended
• Pay for services rendered according to our payment policies
• Provide at least 24 hours' notice for appointment cancellations

Practice Responsibilities

• Provide professional dental care in accordance with accepted standards
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations
• Obtain informed consent before performing procedures
• Maintain accurate and complete patient records
• Provide emergency contact information for after-hours care

Informed Consent for Treatment

Before any dental procedure, we will explain:

• The nature and purpose of the proposed treatment
• Reasonably foreseeable risks and benefits
• Alternative treatment options, including no treatment
• Expected costs and payment responsibilities

You have the right to ask questions and receive answers before consenting to treatment. Your signature on consent forms indicates your understanding and agreement to proceed with the proposed treatment.

Treatment Outcomes and Limitations

No Guarantee of Results

While we strive to provide the highest quality dental care, we cannot guarantee specific treatment outcomes. Dentistry is not an exact science, and individual results may vary based on factors including:

• Individual patient anatomy and healing capacity
• Compliance with post-treatment instructions
• Pre-existing medical or dental conditions
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, diet, oral hygiene)

Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic dental procedures (veneers, whitening, bonding, etc.) are elective treatments. Results depend on individual factors and may not match digital simulations or before/after photos shown during consultation. We will work with you to achieve your desired outcome, but perfection cannot be guaranteed.

Complications and Risks

All dental procedures carry inherent risks, including but not limited to infection, bleeding, nerve damage, allergic reactions, and treatment failure. We will discuss specific risks related to your proposed treatment during your consultation.

Payment Policies

Payment Responsibility

You are ultimately responsible for all charges incurred, regardless of insurance coverage. Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

Insurance Claims

We will submit claims to your insurance company as a courtesy. However, insurance coverage is a contract between you and your insurance carrier. We cannot guarantee coverage or reimbursement amounts. You are responsible for any amounts not covered by insurance.

Treatment Estimates

Treatment cost estimates are provided in good faith but are not guarantees. Final costs may vary based on actual treatment provided, complications encountered, or changes in your treatment plan.

Late Payments and Collections

Accounts more than 90 days past due may be sent to a collection agency. You will be responsible for all collection costs, including reasonable attorney fees. Unpaid balances may result in suspension of non-emergency treatment until the account is brought current.

Appointment Policies

Cancellation Policy

We require at least 24 hours' notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in a fee of up to $100, which is not covered by insurance.

Late Arrivals

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, we may need to reschedule to avoid delays for other patients. A late cancellation fee may apply.

Emergency Care

We make every effort to accommodate dental emergencies for established patients. After-hours emergency contact information is provided on our voicemail. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Warranties and Guarantees

Restorative Work

We stand behind our work. If a restoration (crown, bridge, filling, etc.) fails due to defective materials or workmanship within one year of placement, we will repair or replace it at no charge for materials and reduced fees for labor. This warranty does not cover:

• Damage from trauma or injury
• Failure due to poor oral hygiene or non-compliance with care instructions
• Natural tooth decay or gum disease affecting the restoration
• Damage from grinding or clenching (bruxism) without a protective nightguard
• Work performed by another dentist

Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic procedures are warranted for defects in materials or workmanship for 90 days. Color matching, shade selection, and aesthetic preferences are subjective and not covered by warranty.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• We are not liable for treatment outcomes beyond our reasonable control
• We are not liable for complications arising from undisclosed medical conditions or non-compliance with instructions
• Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount paid for the specific treatment in question
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages

Nothing in these Terms limits our liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or violations of applicable law.

Website Use and Online Services

Acceptable Use

You agree to use our website and online services (appointment booking, patient intake forms, etc.) only for lawful purposes. You may not:

• Provide false or misleading information
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Transmit viruses, malware, or harmful code
• Use automated systems to access our website
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations

Online Appointment Booking

Online appointment requests are not confirmed until you receive confirmation from our office. Appointment availability shown online may not reflect real-time availability.

Patient Portal and Forms

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials. Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.

Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Madderra Dental Spa or its licensors and is protected by copyright and trademark laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.

Patient Records and Ownership

We maintain ownership of your original dental records, including x-rays, models, and clinical notes. You have the right to obtain copies of your records upon written request. We may charge a reasonable fee for copying and mailing costs.

Termination of Patient Relationship

By Patient

You may terminate the patient-dentist relationship at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for payment of all services rendered prior to termination.

By Practice

We may terminate the patient-dentist relationship for reasons including but not limited to:

• Non-payment of account balance
• Repeated missed appointments or late cancellations
• Non-compliance with treatment recommendations
• Abusive or threatening behavior toward staff
• Providing false information or insurance fraud

We will provide 30 days' written notice (except in cases of threatening behavior) and assist with finding alternative care. Emergency care will be provided during the transition period.

Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

If you have a concern about your treatment or our services, please contact us directly. We are committed to resolving issues promptly and professionally.

Mediation

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, disputes may be submitted to mediation before pursuing legal action. Both parties agree to participate in good faith mediation.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any legal action must be brought in the courts of San Francisco County, California.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: