Privacy Policy

This policy explains what information Happy Smiles at Columbia collects through this website, how we use it, and the choices you have. Last updated: September 30, 2026.

What this policy covers

This policy covers this website only. Once you become our patient, your dental and health records are protected by federal law (HIPAA) and described in our Notice of Privacy Practices, which we give you at your first visit and will send you on request.

Please keep sensitive details out of web forms

A short note about what you need, such as "a toothache" or "a cleaning for my child", is fine. Please do not send detailed medical history, insurance member numbers or Social Security numbers through the contact form on this site or by email. Web forms and ordinary email are not built to protect that kind of information the way our patient records are. Call us at 717-684-4666 and we will take it by phone or at your visit.

Our online booking is provided by CareStack, which is built to handle health information securely. Information you enter there goes straight to our office.

What we collect

• What you give us: your name, phone number, email address and message when you use our contact form or ask for an appointment.
• What your browser sends: basic technical details such as your IP address, browser type and the pages you visit. Our hosting provider records these to deliver and protect the site.
• Analytics, if you agree: see "Cookies and analytics" below.
• Other companies' features: the map (Google Maps) and online booking (CareStack) are provided by other companies. When you use them, those companies collect information under their own privacy policies.

How we use it

• To answer your question and schedule your visit.
• To run, secure and improve this website.
• To meet our legal obligations.

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not share it with other companies for their marketing.

Who we share it with

• Companies that help us run the practice and this website, such as our website host, Google and CareStack, only for the work they do for us.
• Authorities, when the law, a court order or a patient-safety emergency requires it.
• A new owner, if the practice is ever sold or merged; this policy would continue to protect your information.

Cookies and analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use this site, such as which pages are read and how people find us. It sets cookies and collects details like your device, browser, approximate location and the pages you visit; it does not tell us who you are. Google Analytics loads only after you agree in the notice shown on your first visit, and you can change your choice at any time through "Cookie settings" at the bottom of every page. If your browser sends a Global Privacy Control signal, we treat it as a "no". You can also use Google's opt-out browser add-on at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout, or block and delete cookies in your browser settings. We do not use advertising cookies, tracking pixels, session recording, or tools that capture what you type on this site.

Text messages and email

We send text messages or emails only when you ask us to or agree to receive them, for example appointment reminders. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to any text to stop them, or HELP for help. Our SMS Terms & Consent page has the details. We never share your mobile number or your text-message consent with other companies for their marketing.

How we protect your information

We use reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect your information. No website or internet transmission is completely secure, so we cannot promise perfect security. If a breach affects your personal information, we will notify you and the authorities as Pennsylvania's Breach of Personal Information Notification Act and federal law require, including free credit monitoring where that law calls for it.

How long we keep it

We keep website messages only as long as we need them to respond to you and run the practice, or as long as the law requires.

Children

This website is not meant for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their information online. A parent or guardian should contact us about a child's care.

Your choices

You can ask us to show you, correct or delete the personal information you sent through this website, or to stop contacting you. Email info@happysmilesatcolumbia.com, call 717-684-4666, or write to us at 543 Locust St, Columbia, PA 17512. We may keep information the law requires us to keep.

Changes to this policy

If we change this policy, we will post the new version here with a new date.

Contact us

Happy Smiles at Columbia · 543 Locust St, Columbia, PA 17512 · 717-684-4666 · info@happysmilesatcolumbia.com