Effective date: October 1, 2025
Practice: Johnston & Murphy Dental Care (“we,” “us,” “our”)
Address: 306 E. Reynolds Dr., Ruston, LA 71270 • (318) 255-6780
We respect your privacy and are committed to being transparent about how we collect, use, and protect information. This combined Privacy Policy & Terms also contains our SMS/Text Messaging Terms to support 10DLC/TCPA compliance.
This Policy describes how we handle information collected via our website and online forms, phone/SMS programs, social media, and related digital properties (collectively, the “Site”). Clinical records and protected health information (PHI) collected and used in the course of treatment are governed by our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, which is separate from this Policy and available upon request and/or on this Site. If any conflict arises between this Policy and the HIPAA Notice, the HIPAA Notice controls for PHI.
We may collect the following categories of information:
Contact & Demographic: name, phone number, email address, mailing address, preferred contact method, appointment preferences.
Inquiry & Service Details: treatment interests (e.g., implants, same-day crowns), questions submitted, scheduling requests.
Website/Technical: IP address, device identifiers, pages viewed, timestamps, referral URLs, and cookie data (see “Cookies & Analytics”).
Communications: your messages to us by phone, SMS, email, web chat, and recordings where permitted by law (e.g., for quality, training, or scheduling).
Financial/Payment: limited data needed to process payments or financing applications (handled through third-party processors you authorize).
We do not sell your personal information.
We use information to:
Provide and improve services, schedule and manage appointments, and respond to inquiries.
Send appointment reminders, preparation instructions, confirmations, reschedules, follow-ups, and limited promotions you request or consent to receive.
Support patient financing steps you initiate (e.g., Cherry, CareCredit) and share minimal data with those providers to complete your request.
Operate, maintain, and secure the Site; detect, prevent, and respond to misuse or fraud; comply with legal obligations.
Legal basis (where applicable): your consent (e.g., SMS opt-in), performance of a contract (e.g., booking), our legitimate interests (e.g., site security, quality), or legal compliance.
We may share information with:
Service Providers/Business Associates: scheduling, messaging, analytics, web hosting, payment/financing processors—only as needed to deliver services, under confidentiality and (when applicable) HIPAA Business Associate Agreements.
Legal/Compliance: to comply with laws, court orders, or to protect rights, safety, and security.
Practice Successors: in a practice reorganization or transfer, consistent with legal requirements for health information.
We do not sell your information to third parties.
Email/SMS Opt-Out: You may opt out of marketing emails using the unsubscribe link. For SMS, reply STOP to end; HELP for help (see “SMS Terms” below). You will still receive non-marketing messages required to deliver services you request (e.g., appointment confirmations).
Access/Update: Contact us to request access or corrections to your information.
Cookies: You can control cookies through your browser settings (see “Cookies & Analytics”).
We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the Site, remember preferences, measure usage, and improve content. We may use analytics services that receive de-identified or aggregated usage data. You can adjust browser settings to limit or block cookies; doing so may affect certain features.
We apply reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information. No system is 100% secure. We retain information only as long as necessary for the purposes described here (or as required by law, professional standards, or our HIPAA Notice for PHI).
Our Site is not intended for children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 provided personal information without parental consent, contact us so we can delete it.
Our Site may link to external websites we do not control. Review their policies—this Policy does not apply to those sites.
We offer optional text messaging programs (the “Johnston & Murphy Dental Care SMS Alerts”) for scheduling assistance, appointment reminders/updates, limited promotions, and patient support.
Opt-in/Consent
You may opt in by checking the SMS consent box on our web forms, texting a provided keyword, or consenting verbally/in-office (which we document).
Consent is not a condition of treatment or purchase. You may receive care even if you do not consent to SMS.
Program Description & Frequency
Messages may include appointment confirmations, reminders, reschedules, instructions, follow-ups, and limited promotions related to our practice.
Message frequency varies based on your activity and preferences.
Fees
Message & data rates may apply from your mobile carrier.
Stop/Help
Reply STOP to end all non-emergency practice SMS from our program. We will confirm your opt-out by text.
Reply HELP for assistance or contact us at (318) 255-6780 or [email protected].
Carriers Disclaimer
Wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Eligibility
You must be 13+ to subscribe; if 13–17, please obtain parental/guardian consent.
Data Use for SMS
We store your phone number, message content, and metadata to operate the program, troubleshoot, and maintain compliance logs (e.g., opt-in/opt-out timestamps). See “How We Use Information” and “How We Share Information” above.
Double Opt-In (Recommended)
We may confirm your subscription by asking you to reply YES before sending program messages.
By using the Site, you agree to: (a) provide accurate information, (b) use the Site lawfully, (c) not attempt to disrupt, reverse-engineer, or copy Site code or content. Site content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment, consult our clinicians directly.
No Warranties & Limitation of Liability
The Site is provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim liability for any indirect or consequential losses arising from Site use. This does not limit liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or where prohibited by law.
Intellectual Property
All Site content (text, images, designs, logos) is owned by or licensed to us and protected by law. You may not reproduce or distribute it without permission.
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Louisiana, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
We may update this Policy from time to time. The “Effective date” above reflects the latest version. Material changes will be posted on this page; continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance.
Practice: Johnston & Murphy Dental Care
Address: 306 E. Reynolds Dr., Ruston, LA 71270
Phone: (318) 255-6780
Email: [email protected]
If you have questions about this Policy, SMS terms, or your preferences, please contact us.
