Privacy Policy – Dentist & Co.
Effective Date: May 2026
1. Introduction
At Dentist & Co. (“we”, “us”, “our”), we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), applicable state health records legislation, and professional obligations under the Dental Board of Australia and AHPRA standards.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your personal information and health information.
By attending our practice or providing your personal information, you consent to the collection and handling of your information as described in this policy.
2. What Information We Collect
We may collect personal and sensitive information necessary to provide dental treatment and manage our practice, including:
Personal Information
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Emergency contact details
- Health fund information
- Payment and billing information
Health Information
- Medical and dental history
- Medications and allergies
- Radiographs, photographs, scans, and clinical records
- Treatment plans and clinical notes
- Referrals and specialist correspondence
- Consent forms and treatment records
Other Information
- Appointment and communication records
- Website enquiry information
- CCTV footage (where applicable for security purposes)
3. How We Collect Information
We collect information directly from you when you:
- Complete patient forms
- Attend consultations or treatment
- Contact us by phone, email, website, or social media
- Provide updates to your medical history
- Submit enquiries or reviews
We may also collect information from:
- Referring practitioners
- Specialists and laboratories
- Health funds
- Medicare or DVA
- Guardians or authorised representatives
- Other healthcare providers involved in your care
4. Why We Collect and Use Your Information
We collect and use your information to:
- Provide dental treatment and healthcare services
- Assess, diagnose, and plan treatment
- Communicate with you regarding appointments and care
- Process payments and health fund claims
- Maintain accurate clinical records
- Refer you to other healthcare providers where appropriate
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
- Improve our services and practice operations
We may also use your contact details to send:
- Appointment reminders
- Recall notices
- Relevant practice communications
You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.
5. Disclosure of Information
We may disclose your information to:
- Dental specialists and other healthcare providers involved in your care
- Dental laboratories
- Medicare, health funds, or DVA
- Contractors or service providers assisting with practice operations
- Professional advisers, insurers, or accreditation bodies
- Government or regulatory authorities where required by law
We will only disclose information where:
- You have consented;
- The disclosure is necessary for your care; or
- We are authorised or required by law to do so.
We do not sell patient information to third parties.
6. Storage and Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
Your information may be stored:
- Electronically in secure practice management systems
- In paper records stored securely onsite or offsite
- Via secure third-party cloud-based providers used by the practice
Access to patient records is restricted to authorised personnel only.
7. Overseas Disclosure
Some electronic service providers or cloud storage systems used by the practice may store data overseas. Where overseas disclosure occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure information is handled in accordance with Australian privacy laws.
8. Access and Correction
You may request access to your personal information or request correction of inaccurate information by contacting us in writing.
We may require proof of identity before releasing records.
Access may be refused in limited circumstances permitted by law, including where access may pose a serious threat to health or safety or impact the privacy of others.
Administrative fees may apply for copies of records or radiographs.
9. Retention of Records
We retain dental records in accordance with legal and professional obligations.
Generally:
- Adult records are retained for a minimum period required by applicable law;
- Children’s records are retained until the legally required age and retention period has expired.
10. Website and Online Services
Our website may collect limited technical information such as:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device information
- Website usage analytics
This information is used to improve website functionality and user experience.
Our website may use cookies and third-party analytics services.
11. Marketing and Reviews
We will not use clinical photographs, testimonials, or patient information for marketing purposes without appropriate consent.
Patients are under no obligation to provide reviews or testimonials.
12. Complaints
If you have concerns about your privacy or how your information has been handled, please contact us using the details below.
We will investigate complaints and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
If you are dissatisfied with our response, you may contact the:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) – OAIC Website
Dental Board of Australia – Dental Board of Australia Website
13. Contact Us
Dentist & Co.
Email: info@dentistandco.com.au
Phone: +61298103044
Address: suite 1, 3 Montague Street, Balmain, NSW, 2041
14. Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or practice operations. The current version will be available at the practice and on our website where applicable.
