Spring Valley Dental Group – O’Fallon, IL

Patient Communication Policy

Effective Date: January 28, 2026

This policy works in conjunction with our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy & HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, Mutual Respect Policy, and Accessibility Statement

At Spring Valley Dental Group, we believe great care starts with clear, respectful, and secure communication. This policy explains how we may contact you, how you can update your preferences, and how we protect your privacy.

1) Why We Contact You

We may contact you to:

Confirm or remind you about appointments
Provide pre- and post-visit instructions
Share important office updates (closures, inclement weather, emergencies)
Send billing statements or payment reminders
Share educational information related to your care (non-promotional)

Note: To protect your privacy, we limit the amount of information included in unencrypted communications such as text messages, emails, and voicemail.

2) How We Contact You

Phone Calls & Voicemail

You may receive calls or voicemail messages regarding appointments, treatment coordination, or your account. If you prefer not to receive voicemail messages, please let us know and we will document your preference.

Text Messages (SMS) — One-Way Only

Appointment reminders may be sent from (888) 440-5176.

Replies are not monitored
To confirm or make changes, call (618) 632-8471 or use your patient portal
Typical cadence: 5 days, 3 days, and 1 day before your appointment
Message & data rates may apply
Message frequency varies based on your appointments

Opt out anytime: Text STOP to (888) 440-5176
Need help? Call our office

Email

If you provide an email address, we may send appointment information, billing notices, or practice updates.

Email is not encrypted. By choosing email communication, you acknowledge the potential privacy risks associated with electronic communication and agree to receive information in this manner. Please avoid sending sensitive health information by email.

Patient Portal (Recommended for Sensitive Info)

Our secure patient portal is the preferred method for accessing records, sending secure messages, reviewing treatment plans, and managing appointments or balances.

Postal Mail

We may send statements or official notices by mail when appropriate.

3) Consent, Preferences, and Opt-Out

By providing your phone number(s) and/or email address, you authorize Spring Valley Dental Group to contact you regarding your care using those methods.

You may request to receive communications by phone, email, or text — including unencrypted methods — and acknowledge the potential privacy risks associated with electronic communications. Your preferences will be documented and honored whenever possible.

Text messages: Text STOP to (888) 440-5176
Email or phone: Call (618) 632-8471 to update or remove contact methods
Marketing messages: Promotional communications are sent only with separate consent and are not a condition of care

4) Timing & Expectations

For scheduling changes, please call (618) 632-8471 or use the patient portal
Messages sent after hours, weekends, or holidays are reviewed the next business day
Do not use text or email for urgent or emergency matters
In an emergency, call 911

5) Privacy & Security (HIPAA)

We comply with HIPAA and applicable state and federal laws to safeguard your information.

We limit details in unencrypted communications
We use the patient portal for secure clinical communication when appropriate
We do not sell or share your contact information with third parties for marketing

To learn more about how we collect, use, and safeguard your information, please review our Privacy Policy & HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.

6) Minors, Caregivers & Authorized Contacts

If a parent, guardian, or authorized representative manages a patient’s care, please inform our office so permissions and communication preferences can be properly documented.

7) Accessibility & Language Support

If you require communication accommodations (alternative formats, preferred language, or other assistance), please let our team know. We will document your preferences and make reasonable accommodations.

For more information about how we ensure accessibility across our website and office, please see our Accessibility Statement.

8) Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in technology, regulations, or office procedures. The most current version will be available on our website and at the front desk. Updates to this policy may also be reflected in our Terms of Service.

Contact Us

Spring Valley Dental Group
904 E Highway 50, O’Fallon, IL 62269
Office: (618) 632-8471
Text reminders (one-way): (888) 440-5176

Questions about this policy or your communication preferences? Call us or ask a team member at your next visit.