Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Patient Bill of Rights, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry

The entire staff of the VCU School of Dentistry is here to provide you with the best care possible. We believe that as an individual you have a "right" to receive certain considerations from our school.

• You have the right to the most appropriate care the School can provide for your needs, without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, religion, age or disability.
• You have the right to be treated kindly and respectfully by all personnel; to be addressed by your proper name without undue familiarity; and to be assured that your individuality will be respected.
• You have the right to know which members of the health care team (dental student, dental hygiene student, graduate dentist, and/or faculty member) are directly responsible for your care, including their names and how you may receive assistance in case of a dental emergency.
• You have the right to ask your dental student and other members of the health care team questions, and to receive answers from them concerning your dental condition, treatment, and plans for your care.
• You have the right to discuss any treatment, procedure, or operation planned for you with members of the health care team, so that you may understand the purpose, probable results, and/or alternatives and the risks involved before giving or refusing permission for this care.
• You have the right to expect that all communications and records concerning your care will be kept confidential.
• You have the right to request an appointment to have your record reviewed by the faculty member who is familiar with your treatment.
• You have the right to receive an estimate of the cost of dental treatment. You may inquire about financial arrangements in paying your bill.
• You have the right to receive information regarding continuation of care after completion of your dental treatment.
• You have the right to receive information about other sources of care for your condition should it be deemed too difficult for treatment in our clinics.
• You have the right to withdraw consent and to discontinue participation in the treatment or activity at any time.

We look forward to providing your dental care.

Patient Responsibilities, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry

As a patient at the VCU School of Dentistry, you can help us accomplish our goals by recognizing that you play an important part in your care. You are expected to:

• Recognize that the School of Dentistry is an educational institution, and that dental treatment may take longer than you had anticipated.
• Provide members of the health care team with complete and accurate information regarding any health problems you have or have had in the past, and any medications or treatments you are currently receiving.
• Provide a telephone number where you can be reached by your assigned student or the Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) and keep them informed of changes of names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
• Make every effort to be on time for appointments.
• Be available for a three-hour appointment at least once a week.
• Call your PCC at least 24 hours prior to an appointment if you need to cancel.
• Comply with financial policies.
• Have a parent or guardian present if the patient is under 18 years of age.
• Express complaints or problems to the appropriate supervisory persons.

Your cooperation in meeting these responsibilities is sincerely appreciated.

Additional Information

To contact the School of Dentistry regarding patient care, email dentalinfo@vcu.edu or call (804) 828-5790.