Terms of Service

Last Updated: 9/10/2025

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the Derksen Dentistry website and dental services. By accessing our website, scheduling appointments, or receiving our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our website or services.

2. Website Use and Content

Informational Purposes Only

The content on this website is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified dental professional regarding any dental condition or treatment.

Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

  • Use the website for any unlawful purpose or to violate any applicable laws
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or networks
  • Transmit viruses, malware, or other harmful code
  • Interfere with the website’s functionality or security
  • Use automated tools to access or collect information from our website
  • Impersonate our practice or staff members
  • Post or transmit inappropriate, offensive, or harmful content

Accuracy of Information

While we strive to provide accurate and current information, we make no warranties about the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of website content. Medical and dental information may change rapidly, and content may become outdated.

3. Appointment Scheduling and Services

Appointment Requests

  • Appointments are not confirmed until you receive verbal or written confirmation from our office
  • We reserve the right to reschedule appointments when necessary for patient safety or practice operations

Cancellation and No-Show Policy

  • Cancellation Requirement: Appointments must be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance
  • No-Show Fee: Failure to attend a scheduled appointment without 24-hour notice may result in a fee
  • Late Arrivals: Patients arriving more than 15 minutes late will need to reschedule
  • Repeated No-Shows: Multiple no-shows may result in dismissal from the practice

Treatment and Services

  • All treatments are provided based on individual patient needs following examination and consultation
  • Treatment plans and fees are estimates and may change based on clinical findings
  • We reserve the right to modify treatment plans if conditions change during treatment
  • Emergency services are provided based on availability and severity of condition

4. Financial Policies

Payment Terms

  • Payment for services is due at the time of treatment unless prior payment arrangements have been made
  • We accept cash, checks, CareCredit, Sunbit and major credit cards
  • Returned checks are subject to a fee

Insurance

  • Patients are responsible for understanding their insurance benefits and coverage limitations
  • We may assist with filing insurance claims as a courtesy, but cannot guarantee coverage or payment amounts
  • Any amount not covered by insurance is the patient’s responsibility
  • Pre-authorization requirements are the patient’s responsibility

Collection Procedures

  • Past due accounts may be subject to collection procedures
  • Patients are responsible for all collection costs, including reasonable attorney fees
  • Failure to pay may result in dismissal from the practice

5. Patient Responsibilities

Health Information

  • Provide complete and accurate medical and dental history
  • Update us promptly of any changes to health status or medications
  • Follow post-treatment care instructions
  • Maintain regular preventive care appointments as recommended

HIPAA Acknowledgment

  • You acknowledge receipt of our Notice of Privacy Practices
  • You understand your rights regarding protected health information
  • You consent to necessary uses and disclosures for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations

Communication

  • Maintain current contact information with our office
  • Respond promptly to our communications regarding treatment or appointments
  • Inform us of preferred communication methods and any restrictions

6. Digital Communications and Technology

Electronic Communications

  • We may communicate via email, text messages, or phone calls with your consent
  • Electronic communications are not guaranteed to be secure or confidential
  • We are not liable for unauthorized access to your electronic communications

7. Minors and Guardians

Treatment of Minors

  • Parents or legal guardians must provide consent for treatment of patients under 18
  • The consenting guardian is financially responsible for all services
  • Both parents may need to consent for certain procedures as required by law
  • We may require court documentation for divorced or separated parents regarding treatment decisions

8. Practice Policies

Dismissal from Practice

We reserve the right to discontinue the doctor-patient relationship for reasons including but not limited to:

  • Failure to follow treatment recommendations
  • Repeated missed appointments or late cancellations
  • Inappropriate behavior toward staff or other patients
  • Non-payment of fees
  • Non-compliance with practice policies

Professional Standards

  • Our practice operates according to professional dental standards and ethics
  • We maintain appropriate licensing and continuing education requirements
  • All staff members are trained in privacy and safety protocols

9. Intellectual Property

Website Content

All website content, including text, images, graphics, logos, audio, video, and software, is the property of Derksen Dentistry and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Content may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without our written permission.

Patient Materials

Educational materials, treatment records, and diagnostic images created during your care remain our property but you have the right to copies as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

10. Reviews and Social Media

Online Reviews

  • We appreciate feedback about your experience
  • Please address concerns directly with our office before posting negative reviews
  • We may respond publicly to reviews to provide factual clarification while maintaining patient privacy

Social Media

  • Patients may reference our practice on social media platforms
  • We reserve the right to monitor and respond to social media mentions
  • Protected health information should never be shared on social media platforms

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

  • Our liability is limited to the cost of the services provided
  • We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • We are not responsible for outcomes that result from patient non-compliance
  • Our liability does not extend to services provided by other healthcare providers

12. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By accepting these Terms, you also agree to our Privacy Policy.

13. Force Majeure

We are not responsible for delays or inability to perform services due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • Natural disasters or severe weather
  • Public health emergencies or government orders
  • Equipment failures or power outages
  • Acts of terrorism or civil unrest

14. Dispute Resolution

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Jurisdiction

Any legal disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Ingham County, Michigan.

15. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective when posted on our website with an updated “Last Modified” date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Derksen Dentistry regarding the use of our website and services.

18. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Derksen Dentistry
2410 Lake Lansing Rd # 2
Lansing, MI 48912
Phone: (517) 371-5342

Acknowledgment: By using our website or receiving our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.