Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient

Patient Rights

  • You have a right to choose your own dentist and schedule an appointment in a timely manner.
  • You have a right to know the education and training of your dentist and the dental care team.
  • You have a right to arrange to see the dentist every time you receive dental treatment, subject to any state law exceptions.
  • You have a right to adequate time to ask questions and receive answers regarding your dental condition and treatment plan for your care.
  • You have a right to know what the dental team feels is the optimal treatment plan as well as the right to ask for alternative treatment options.
  • You have a right to an explanation of the purpose, probably (short and long-term) results, alternatives, and risks involved before consenting to a proposed treatment plan.
  • You have a right to be informed of continuing health care needs.
  • You have a right to know in advance the expected cost of treatment.
  • You have a right to accept, defer, or decline any part of your treatment recommendations.
  • You have a right to reasonable arrangements for dental care and emergency treatment.
  • You have a right to receive considerate, respectful, and confidential treatment by your dentist and dental team.
  • You have a right to expect the dental team members to use appropriate infection and sterilization controls.
  • You have a right to inquire about the availability of processes to mediate disputes about your treatment.

(Adopted by the American Dental Association in 2009)

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

  • You have the responsibility to provide, to the best of your ability, accurate, honest, and complete information about your medical history and current health status.
  • You have the responsibility to report changes in your medical status and provide feedback about your needs and expectations.
  • You have the responsibility to participate in your health care decisions and ask questions if you are uncertain about your dental treatment or plan.
  • You have the responsibility to inquire about your treatment options and acknowledge the benefits and limitations of any treatment that you choose.
  • You have the responsibility for consequences resulting from declining treatment or from not following the agreed-upon treatment plan.
  • You have the responsibility to keep your scheduled appointments.
  • You have the responsibility to be available for treatment upon reasonable notice.
  • You have the responsibility to adhere to regular home oral health care recommendations.
  • You have the responsibility to ensure that your financial obligations for health care received are fulfilled.

(Adopted by the American Dental Association in 2009)

American Dental Association Leads Fight for Patient Rights

The American Dental Association has supported legislation that will set a few basic rules to promote high-quality care and protect patients in an increasingly bottom-line-driven health care system.

ADA-member dentists have been instrumental in moving the patients' rights issue into the national spotlight. The nation appears closer than ever to finally seeing a comprehensive patient' bill of rights passed into law.

While Congress debates various versions of patient rights legislation, the insurance and managed care industries have long supported legislation that would fail to protect all privately insured Americans against unfair delays and denials of coverage by their health plans, according to the ADA. Some ill-fated bills left out critical protections, such as guaranteeing people the option of choosing their own doctors or creating mechanisms to address patients' grievances against health plans. One proposal even omitted freestanding dental plans, which could have left more than 120 million dental patients without these vital protections.

The American Dental Association continues to lobby for the enactment of bipartisan legislation to help ensure that health plans treat patients fairly and do not discriminate against dentists. Here are some of the key issues identified by the ADA:

  • Coverage for freestanding dental plans, which account for the vast majority of Americans who have dental coverage.
  • Patient choice, by guaranteeing access to at least one plan with a point-of-service option that allows patients the opportunity to choose their own doctors.
  • Health plan accountability, through the availability of impartial, external review and by holding plans accountable when their decisions to delay or deny care harm patients.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:45 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:45 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:45 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

7:45 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Patients Say About Us

    The visit to Dr. Cleveland was a good experience. He makes you not fear coming to the dentist. I usually am very nervous but with him I was calm and felt safe. He is the greatest.

    Anonymous

    From the moment I called to make an appt. the staff was very friendly. They made me feel welcome (I am a new patient). My hygienist was friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Dr. Robinson was also friendly, professional and knowledgeable. I enjoyed my visit! Looking forward to many more years with the staff there.

    Jennifer G Customer since 2013

    This dental office is wonderful. The entire staff is friendly and caring. Having worked in the dental/orthodontic field in the past, this office does things correctly and they keep up with technology as well. Dr. Cleveland is a very caring man, which shows when he calls your home to see how you are doing after procedures. This dental practice is a blessing to have here in Jefferson.

    Dennis R Customer since 2008

    It was a pleasure to meet Dr. Robinson. I was impressed with his thoroughness at the conclusion of my prophy appointment. As always, the entire staff are friendly and fun. I look forward to future appointments.

    Sonya C Customer since 1997

    The experience of my viists with Dr Robinson were if in a course final exam, would be an "A". 

    Fred W Customer since 2006

    I just had a tooth filled,and as usual, it was an almost painless experience. Dr. Cleveland and his assistant were very gentle and efficient.

    Jane M Customer since 1981

    One of the best experiences I have ever had in a dentist office. Even though it was a challenge, Dr. Robinson did a fantastic job.

    Jack B Customer since 1992