SMS Messaging Policy

1. Overview

Bluffline LLC provides SMS-based AI receptionist services to dental practices. The patients of those practices receive SMS messages from a phone number provided by their dental practice. Bluffline does not market to or directly message consumers; we only deliver messages on behalf of a participating dental practice with which the recipient has an existing patient relationship.

Each participating dental practice is the sender of record for messages sent to its patients. Bluffline acts as the technology provider that powers those conversations.

2. How Patients Opt In

SMS consent is a standalone, dedicated agreement. It is not bundled with patient registration paperwork, treatment authorizations, financial agreements, privacy notices, or any other form. Patients are presented with a separate, clearly labeled SMS messaging consent that they may accept or decline independently of all other agreements.

Consent is not a condition of receiving healthcare services. A patient may decline SMS consent and still receive full dental care from the practice. Patients are never required to opt in to SMS as a condition of treatment, scheduling, or any other service.

The opt-in is collected in writing — either on a dedicated standalone SMS consent form (paper) or through a clearly separated SMS-consent checkbox on the practice's digital intake — before any SMS message is sent. The opt-in checkbox is unchecked by default; the patient must affirmatively opt in.

The opt-in language reads:

Key compliance characteristics of our opt-in:

• SMS consent is a standalone agreement, separate from all other forms, contracts, and authorizations
• Consent is not a condition of receiving healthcare services
• The consent language clearly identifies the sender, message types, frequency, opt-out instructions, HELP instructions, and rate disclaimer
• Consent must be affirmatively given — no pre-checked boxes
• The patient may revoke consent at any time by replying STOP

See the actual opt-in flow: View a live preview of the standalone SMS consent form used at participating practices at getbluffline.com/opt-in-preview. The preview demonstrates the exact UX: a separate, optional, unchecked-by-default SMS consent that does not affect access to dental care.

Consent records — including the opt-in form, the date and time of consent, the patient's name, and the phone number provided — are retained by the dental practice and are also stored in the Bluffline platform. Consent is never purchased, rented, shared, or transferred between practices. A patient who opts in at one practice has not opted in at any other practice.

Welcome message

The first SMS a patient receives from a Bluffline-powered number is a welcome message that identifies the dental practice by name, confirms the patient is opted in, and reminds them of the STOP and HELP keywords. For example:

3. Types of Messages Patients Receive

Patients of participating dental practices may receive the following types of SMS messages:

Bluffline does not send marketing messages, promotional offers, third-party advertisements, sweepstakes, surveys unrelated to care, or messages to anyone who has not opted in at a participating practice.

4. Message Frequency

Patients can expect to receive up to 4 messages per appointment cycle (typically: a confirmation, a day-before reminder, a day-of reminder, and a follow-up if needed), plus replies to any patient-initiated conversations. Recall reminder cycles add up to 2 messages per recall window.

Message frequency varies by patient based on appointment cadence and how often the patient texts the practice. Patients are never enrolled in recurring promotional message streams.

5. Opt-Out and HELP

Patients can opt out of SMS messages at any time, with no fee and no questions asked.

To re-subscribe after opting out, a patient can reply START or UNSTOP, or contact the practice directly. Patients may also request opt-out by emailing [email protected] or by asking their dental practice's front desk to remove their number.

6. Message & Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply. The amount and timing of messages depend on the patient's mobile carrier and plan. Bluffline does not charge patients for messages; standard carrier rates from the patient's wireless provider apply.

Carriers supported include all major U.S. carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and their MVNOs). Bluffline is not liable for delayed or undelivered messages caused by carrier conditions outside our control.

7. Privacy

Patient phone numbers, message content, and consent records are handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We do not sell, rent, or share patient phone numbers or message content with third parties for marketing purposes. Mobile information is never shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

8. HIPAA Acknowledgment

Bluffline operates in compliance with applicable healthcare privacy regulations including HIPAA where applicable through our partner dental practices. Each participating dental practice is the covered entity, and Bluffline serves as a Business Associate under a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA).

SMS is an inherently unencrypted channel. Riley is configured to keep message content limited to scheduling logistics and to avoid sharing detailed clinical information by text. Patients should not text protected health information (PHI) they would prefer to keep off SMS, and the practice will move sensitive conversations to a secure channel when appropriate.

9. Contact

Questions about this SMS Messaging Policy, or about a specific message you received, can be sent to: