Privacy Policy

Last Updated: July 10, 2025

Dr. Linda Y. Makuta, DDS (“Dr. Linda Makuta,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) operates lindaymakutadds.com and may operate other websites. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit our website or use our services.

1. What Personal Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Account Information: Username and password when you create an account
• Appointment Information: Preferred appointment times, special requests or needs
• Health Information: Dental history, medical conditions, insurance information, and other health-related data necessary for dental care
• Payment Information: Billing address and payment method details for processing transactions
• Communication Preferences: Your preferences for receiving communications, including SMS consent
• Correspondence: Information in emails, messages, or other communications you send to us

Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:

• Technical Information: Browser type, operating system, language preferences, referring website
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, date and time of visits
• Device Information: IP address, device identifiers, and other technical identifiers
• Location Information: General geographic location based on IP address

2. How We Use Your Personal Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

Healthcare Services

• Providing dental care and treatment
• Scheduling and managing appointments
• Maintaining medical and dental records
• Processing insurance claims and billing
• Following up on treatments and care

Communication

• Responding to your inquiries and requests
• Sending appointment reminders via email, phone, or SMS
• Providing important updates about your care
• Sending newsletters and promotional materials (with your consent)
• Notifying you of changes to our services or policies

Website and Service Improvement

• Analyzing website usage to improve user experience
• Troubleshooting technical issues
• Developing new features and services
• Conducting research and analytics

Legal and Business Operations

• Complying with legal obligations and regulations
• Protecting our rights and interests
• Preventing fraud and ensuring security
• Managing business transfers or acquisitions

3. Who We Share Your Personal Information With

We may share your personal information with the following parties:

Healthcare Providers and Business Associates

• Dental specialists, laboratories, and other healthcare providers involved in your care
• Insurance companies for claims processing and verification
• Billing and collection agencies
• Healthcare technology providers who assist with our operations

Service Providers

• IT service providers and web hosting companies
• Payment processors and financial institutions
• Marketing and communication service providers
• Analytics and research providers

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, including:

• In response to subpoenas, court orders, or other legal requests
• To comply with regulatory requirements
• To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others
• In connection with legal proceedings

Business Transfers

If our practice is acquired, merged, or substantially all of our assets are transferred, your personal information may be transferred to the acquiring party as part of the transaction.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your website experience. A cookie is a small file that a website stores on your computer, and your browser provides to the website each time you return.

We use cookies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Provide personalized content and advertisements

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

5. Third-Party Advertising

Advertisements appearing on our website may be delivered by advertising partners who may set their own cookies. These cookies allow ad servers to recognize your computer and compile information about you or others who use your computer to deliver targeted advertisements.

This Privacy Policy covers our use of cookies but does not cover the use of cookies by any advertisers. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of our advertising partners.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, use, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Secure server environments
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You can request copies of your personal information
• Correction: You can request that we correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: You can request that we delete your personal information (subject to legal and healthcare record retention requirements)
• Opt-out: You can opt out of marketing communications at any time
• Data Portability: You can request that we transfer your information to another provider

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will delete that information promptly.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending you an email notification if you have an account with us
• Providing notice through our website or other appropriate means

Your continued use of our website and services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us:

Dr. Linda Y. Makuta, DDS
Phone: (818) 986-7470
Address: 5400 Balboa Boulevard #211, Encino, California 91316
Website: lindaymakutadds.com

We are committed to resolving any privacy concerns you may have.

This Privacy Policy is effective as of [Insert Date] and supersedes all previous versions.