PRIVACY POLICY

Introduction
a. The Privacy Act 1988 was amended on 12 March 2014 to establish thirteen Australian Privacy Principles.
b. SmileBright Dental has ensured that its actions are compliant with the Act.
c. Definition – Act refers to the Privacy Act 1988.

Principles

1. Collection of Data– SmileBright Dental collects and maintains information about its patients in the form of personal identification data and sensitive information about an individual’s medical and dental condition through a medical history form. This information is collected to provide safe and successful dental treatment, in adherence to the Australian Privacy Principles. Patient details are retained for the purposes for which consent is implied; any other use would require specific consent.
2. Primary purposes of collecting data are:
   • Contacting the patient to confirm and reschedule appointments.
   • Contacting the patient to remind them they are due for their recall appointment or to complete unfinished dental treatment beneficial to their dental health.
   • Providing patient details to a third party—such as a branch practice, radiology clinic, specialist practice, dental technician, or laboratory—to access additional expertise for the patient’s treatment.
   • Understanding the patient’s medical history, including conditions and medications, to ensure safe and successful dental treatment.
   • Understanding the patient’s dental history to provide appropriate dental care.
3. Use and Disclosure of Data– SmileBright Dental will only use or disclose personal and sensitive information for the purpose for which it was collected unless the patient consents otherwise, or in rare circumstances where disclosure is necessary in the interests of public health, safety, or law enforcement.
4. Data Quality– SmileBright Dental will take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal and sensitive information it collects, uses, or discloses is accurate, complete, and up to date. Patients are asked to review and, if necessary, update their medical history form annually, and are encouraged to inform us of any changes at the beginning of each appointment.
5. Data Security– SmileBright Dental will take reasonable steps to protect the personal and sensitive information it holds from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access, modifications, or disclosure.
6. Openness– When personal and sensitive information is collected via a medical history form, the patient is referred to the Australian Dental Association Privacy Statement, which is made available upon request. Both the medical history form and the Australian Dental Association Privacy Statement are accessible on our website. This privacy policy is also available to the public on our website.
7. Access and Correction– Any patient may request access to their personal and sensitive information held by SmileBright Dental. If a patient wishes to access or correct any information or requires further details about how their information is handled, they should contact the Practice Manager.
8. Identifiers– SmileBright Dental will not use, adopt, or disclose any identifier assigned by a government “agency.”
9. Anonymity– SmileBright Dental will provide patients the option to interact anonymously whenever it is lawful and practical to do so.
10. Trans-border Data Flows– SmileBright Dental will not transfer personal and sensitive information to a recipient in a foreign country unless it is ensured that the information will receive an appropriate level of protection.
11. Sensitive Information– SmileBright Dental will not collect sensitive information unless the patient has consented, it is required by law, or in other special circumstances such as health services provision or matters relating to individual or public health and safety.
12. Complaints– Any patient may lodge a written complaint regarding the handling of their personal and sensitive information by SmileBright Dental. The complaint should be addressed to the Practice Manager, who will investigate and provide a written response.

Policy

SmileBright Dental must comply with the Act.