Our Commitment to Privacy
G Dental is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and health information. We are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and applicable state and territory privacy legislation.
About This Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and otherwise handle your personal information. We respect your right to privacy and have systems and processes in place to ensure compliance with Australian privacy laws.
What Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
Personal Information:
- Name, address, date of birth and contact details (phone, email)
- Medicare number and health fund details
- Payment and billing information
- Emergency contact information
Health Information:
- Medical and dental history
- Clinical examination findings and diagnoses
- Treatment records and notes
- X-rays, photographs and diagnostic images
- Prescriptions and referral information
- Correspondence with other healthcare providers
Website Information:
- Browser type and IP address
- Pages visited and time spent on our website
- Referring to website addresses
- Device information
How We Collect Information
We generally collect information directly from you when you:
- Book an appointment or attend our practice
- Complete patient registration forms
- Receive dental treatment or consultations
- Communicate with us via phone, email or website
- Subscribe to newsletters or updates
We may also collect information from:
- Other healthcare providers (with your consent or where necessary for your care)
- Your health insurance provider
- Family members or guardians (for patients under 18)
- Third parties, where you have consented or would reasonably expect such collection
Why We Collect and Use Your Information
We collect and use your information to:
- Provide dental treatment and healthcare services
- Maintain accurate clinical records
- Communicate with you about appointments and treatment
- Process billing and insurance claims
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Improve our services and patient care
- Send appointment reminders and recall notices
- Manage complaints and feedback
How We Disclose Your Information
We may disclose your information to:
- Other dental practitioners or specialists involved in your care
- Dental laboratories for prosthetic work
- Healthcare professionals for referrals and consultations
- Health insurance providers and Medicare for claims processing
- Debt collection agencies (for overdue accounts)
- Our service providers (e.g., practice management software, cloud storage)
- Government agencies and regulatory bodies when required by law
We will only disclose your information where necessary for your treatment, with your consent, or as required by law. We take reasonable steps to ensure any third parties comply with Australian privacy laws.
Marketing and Communications
We may use your contact information to send you:
- Appointment reminders and recall notices
- Information about our services
- Newsletters and dental health tips
- Promotional offers
You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe option in our emails.
Data Storage and Security
We store your information both in hard copy and electronic formats. We take reasonable steps to protect your information from:
- Misuse, interference and loss
- Unauthorised access, modification or disclosure
Our security measures include:
- Secure storage of physical records
- Password-protected computer systems
- Encrypted data transmission where applicable
- Staff training on privacy obligations
- Restricted access to patient information
Overseas Disclosure
Some of our service providers may store data using cloud-based systems located overseas. We take reasonable steps to ensure any overseas transfer complies with Australian privacy laws and that your information remains protected.
Retention of Records
We retain your clinical records in accordance with legal and professional requirements. Generally, records are kept for at least seven years from your last visit, or until you turn 25 (whichever is longer) if you were under 18 at the time of treatment.
Accessing and Correcting Your Information
You have the right to:
- Request access to your personal and health information
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Receive a copy of your dental records (fees may apply)
To request access or correction, please contact us in writing. We will respond within 30 days. In some circumstances, we may need to refuse access in accordance with privacy laws, and we will explain our reasons if this occurs.
Privacy Complaints
If you believe we have breached your privacy, please contact us immediately. We will:
- Acknowledge your complaint promptly
- Investigate the matter thoroughly
- Respond to you within a reasonable timeframe
- Take steps to remedy any breach
If you are not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner:
- Phone: 1300 363 992
- Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will be available on our website and at our practice. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Anonymous Interactions
While we prefer to know who we are dealing with to provide appropriate care, you may interact with us anonymously or using a pseudonym where it is lawful and practicable to do so, such as for general enquiries.
Contact Us
For any privacy-related questions or concerns, please contact:
G- Dental
Privacy Officer
Email:[email protected]
Phone: 03 9435 6063
Address: 137 Grimshaw Street Greenborough Melbourne Vic 3088 Australia
