Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly.

Personal Information

• Full name, date of birth, and contact details (address, phone, email)
• Medicare number and private health insurance details
• Emergency contact information
• Payment and billing information

Health Information

• Medical and dental history
• Treatment records, clinical notes, and diagnosis information
• X-rays, photographs, and other diagnostic images
• Medications, allergies, and other health-related data

Digital Information

• Website usage data and cookies
• Appointment booking information
• Communication preferences and correspondence history

We collect and use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Providing dental treatment and healthcare services
• Managing appointments, billing, and payment processing
• Communicating with you about your treatment and care
• Processing health insurance claims and Medicare rebates
• Meeting our legal and regulatory obligations
• Sending appointment reminders and recall notices
• Improving our services and patient experience
• Managing complaints and quality assurance activities

We may disclose your personal information to:

• Other healthcare providers involved in your care (with your consent)
• Dental laboratories and specialist practitioners for treatment purposes
• Health insurance providers and Medicare for claims processing
• Professional indemnity insurers and legal advisors when necessary
• Regulatory bodies and government agencies as required by law
• Third-party service providers who assist in our operations (under strict confidentiality)

We will not disclose your personal information to third parties without your consent, except where required or authorized by law.

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from:

• Unauthorized access, use, or disclosure
• Loss, misuse, or alteration
• Interference or modification

Our security measures include:

• Secure storage of physical records in locked cabinets
• Password-protected and encrypted electronic systems
• Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Regular staff training on privacy and confidentiality obligations
• Secure disposal of records when no longer required

Under Australian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information and health records
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request a copy of your health records (fees may apply)
• Lodge a complaint about how we handle your personal information
• Request we stop sending you marketing communications
• Ask questions about our privacy practices

To exercise these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer using the details below.

Record Retention

We retain your personal and health information in accordance with professional obligations and legal requirements. Dental records are typically retained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of last treatment (or longer for pediatric patients). Records may be retained indefinitely where there is an ongoing treatment relationship or legal requirement to do so.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The current version will always be available on our website, and we will notify you of any significant changes.