Privacy Policy

We are a Data Controller under the terms of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the requirements of the EU General Data Protection Regulation.

This Privacy Notice explains what Personal Data the practice holds, why we hold and process it, who we might share it with, and your rights and freedoms under the Law.

Types of Personal Data

The practice holds personal data in the following categories:

1. Patient personal, clinical, financial and health data and correspondence(name, age, date of birth, address, x-rays, clinical records, treatments, fees paid, private plan details, complaints etc.)
2. Staff employment data(name ,address, date of birth, payroll, etc)
3. Contractors' data.

Why we process Personal Data (what is the "purpose")

"Process" means we obtain, store, update and archive data.

1. Patient data is held for the purpose of providing patients with appropriate, high quality, safe and effective dental care and treatment.
2. Staff employment data is held in accordance with Employment, Taxation and Pensions law.
3. Contractors' data is held for the purpose of managing their contracts.

What is the Lawful Basis for processing Personal Data?

The Law says we must tell you this:

1. We hold patients' data because it is in our Legitimate Interest to do so. Without holding the data we cannot work effectively. Also, we must hold data on NHS care and treatment as it is a public task required by law.
2. We hold staff employment data because it is a Legal Obligation for us to do so.
3. We hold contractors' data because it is needed to fulfil a Contract with us.

Who might we share your data with?

We can only share data if it is done securely and it is necessary to do so.

1. Patient data may be shared with other healthcare professionals who need to be involved in your care (for example if we refer you to a specialist or need laboratory work undertaken). We may also share it with NHS or private dental scheme provider if you are a member. Patient data may also be stored for back-up purposes with our computer software suppliers who may also store it securely.
2. Employment data will be shared with government agencies such as HMRC.

We will only disclose your information on a need-to-know basis and will limit any information that we share to the minimum necessary. We will let you know in advance if we send your medical information to another medical provider and we will give you the details of that provider at that time.
In certain circumstances or if required by law, we may need to disclose your information to a third party not connected with your health care, including HMRC or other law enforcement or government agencies.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

1. Be informed about the personal data we hold and why we hold it.
2. Access a copy of your data that we hold by contacting us directly: we will acknowledge your request and supply a response within one month or sooner.
3. Check the information we hold about you is correct and to make corrections if not
4. Have your data erased in certain circumstances. For legal reasons, we may be unable to erase certain information (for example, information about your dental treatment). However, we can, if you ask us to, delete some contact details and other non-clinical information.
5. Transfer your data to someone else if you tell us to do so and it is safe and legal to do so.
6. Tell us not to actively process or update your data in certain circumstances.

If we are relying on your consent to use your personal information for a particular purpose, you may withdraw your consent at any time and we will stop using your information for that purpose. For example, sending you reminders for appointments or information about our service.

How long is the Personal Data stored for?

1. We will store patient data for as long as we are providing care, treatment or recalling patients for further care. We will archive (that is, store it without further action) for as long as is required for legal purposes as recommended by the NHS or other trusted experts recommend.
2. We must store employment data for six years after an employee has left.
3. We must store contractors' data for seven years after the contract is ended.

What if you are not happy or wish to raise a concern about our data processing?
If you do not wish us to use your personal information as described, you should discuss the matter with your dentist. If you object to the way that we collect and use your information, we may not be able to continue to provide your dental care.