Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 12, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how Southern Maryland Orthodontic Studio (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and discloses your information when you use our website and related services. By using our website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Healthcare Disclaimer

This website is for general information and appointment inquiries only. Information submitted through our website contact forms is not considered protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA. Please do not submit sensitive medical information through this website. Once you become a patient, your protected health information will be handled in accordance with our separate HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, which will be provided to you at your first appointment.

Definitions

Personal Data means any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual.
Usage Data means data collected automatically from your use of the website (such as pages visited, time spent, IP address).
Cookies are small files placed on your device that store browsing information.

Information We Collect

Personal Data

When you use our website, we may collect the following information:

First and last name
Email address
Phone number
Any additional information you choose to provide in contact form messages

Usage Data

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website, including your IP address, browser type, pages visited, time and date of your visit, time spent on pages, and other diagnostic data.

Tracking Technologies

Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to track activity on our website and improve your experience. You can instruct your browser to refuse cookies, though some features of the website may not function properly without them.

We use the following types of cookies:

Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality.
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website.
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices.

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and usage patterns. Google Analytics collects information such as how often you visit our website, what pages you view, and what other sites you visited before coming to ours. We use this information to improve our website and services. Google Analytics places a persistent cookie on your device to identify you as a unique visitor, but this cookie cannot be used by anyone other than Google. Google’s ability to use and share information collected by Google Analytics is governed by the Google Privacy Policy. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Respond to your inquiries and appointment requests
Send you information about your appointment or requested services
Send you marketing communications about our services, promotions, and events (only with your consent, and you may opt out at any time)
Analyze website usage to improve our services and user experience
Comply with legal obligations

Email Communications

If you submit a contact or appointment request form, we may use your email address to respond to your inquiry and, with your consent, send you occasional updates about our practice and services. You may opt out of marketing emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or by contacting us directly.

Advertising and Remarketing

We may use remarketing services to show advertisements to you on third-party websites after you have visited ours. We and our third-party advertising partners use cookies to inform, optimize, and serve ads based on your past visits to our website.

Google Ads

We may use Google Ads remarketing to display ads across the Google Display Network. Google uses cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.

Meta (Facebook/Instagram)

We may use Meta Pixel to measure the effectiveness of our advertising and deliver relevant ads on Facebook and Instagram. You can adjust your ad preferences in your Facebook settings or opt out through the Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out page.

Sharing Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers: With third-party vendors who help us operate our website and services (such as email platforms, analytics providers, and advertising partners).
Legal Requirements: If required by law or in response to valid legal requests.
Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

Data Security

We use reasonable measures to protect your personal data, but no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

Request access to the personal data we hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate data
Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
Opt out of marketing communications

To exercise these rights, contact us at the information below.

Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

Website Disclaimer

The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by using this website or submitting a contact form. For specific questions about your orthodontic care, please schedule a consultation with our office. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact your general dentist or seek emergency medical care.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:

Southern Maryland Orthodontic Studio
5020 Brown Station Road, Suite 130
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Phone: 301-327-1223
Email: [email protected]