Smiles of Ryde Dental Surgery is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients and other individuals whose personal information we collect.
We manage personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
What information we collect
We may collect personal information including your name, date of birth, address, telephone number, email address, emergency contact details and other identifying or contact information.
As a dental practice, we also collect health information necessary to provide dental care. This may include your medical and dental history, medications, allergies, treatment records, clinical notes, diagnoses, treatment plans, referrals, prescriptions, X-rays, photographs, digital scans and other clinical records.
We may also collect information relating to appointments, accounts, payments, private health insurance and communications between you and our practice.
How we collect information
We generally collect information directly from you, including when you complete a patient registration or medical history form, attend an appointment, speak with us by telephone, communicate with us by email or SMS, use our website or online booking facilities, or otherwise contact our practice.
Where appropriate and permitted by law, information may also be obtained from another healthcare practitioner, specialist, laboratory, hospital, health fund, parent, guardian, person responsible for your care or another authorised person.
Why we collect your information
We collect personal and health information where it is reasonably necessary to provide dental and related healthcare services.
This includes assessing, diagnosing and treating dental conditions; maintaining clinical records; communicating with you about your care; arranging appointments and appointment reminders; providing referrals; communicating with laboratories and other healthcare providers involved in your treatment; processing accounts and health fund claims; and complying with our professional, legal and regulatory obligations.
How we use and disclose information
We use and disclose personal information primarily for the purpose for which it was collected, including providing and managing your dental care.
Where necessary for your treatment or the administration of the practice, information may be disclosed to healthcare practitioners, dental specialists, dental laboratories, diagnostic and imaging providers, private health insurers, payment providers, professional advisers and service providers who assist us in operating the practice.
We may also disclose information where you have consented or where disclosure is authorised or required by law.
We do not sell patient health information.
Storage and security
Patient information may be held electronically and, where applicable, in paper records.
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. These measures include appropriate access controls, password protection, secure practice-management systems, data backups and appropriate physical and administrative safeguards.
Access to patient information is limited to authorised persons who require access for the operation of the practice or provision of patient care.
When personal information is no longer required to be retained, we take reasonable steps to securely destroy or de-identify it, subject to applicable legal, professional and record-retention requirements.
Overseas disclosure and service providers
We use third-party technology and communications service providers in operating our practice. While our principal practice-management and website systems are hosted in Australia, some personal information may be processed or stored overseas through service providers used for communications and related services.
Overseas recipients may be located in countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the United States.
Where personal information is disclosed overseas, we take reasonable steps to ensure it is handled in accordance with applicable Australian privacy laws.
Accessing or correcting your information
You may request access to personal information that we hold about you and may ask us to correct information that you believe is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date.
Requests can be made by contacting Smiles of Ryde Dental Surgery. We may need to verify your identity before providing access to health information.
In some circumstances access may be limited or refused where permitted by law. If this occurs, we will explain the reason where appropriate.
Privacy complaints
If you have a concern or complaint about how we have handled your personal information, please contact us.
We will consider the complaint and endeavour to respond within a reasonable period.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Website information
When you use our website, we may collect information that you voluntarily provide through contact forms or booking enquiries, such as your name, telephone number, email address and message.
Our website may also use cookies and analytics or similar technologies to help operate and improve the website.
Please avoid including unnecessary sensitive health information in general website contact forms.
Contact us
Smiles of Ryde Dental Surgery
913 Victoria Road
West Ryde NSW 2114
Telephone: (02) 9874 2154
Email: info@smilesofryde.com.au
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or the way we manage your personal information, please contact our practice.
