Data Protection Policy

Our Commitment to Data Protection

Dental by Design complies with the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. We are committed to processing your personal patient information fairly, lawfully, and with complete transparency.

This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data, as well as your rights regarding your information.

Personal Data We Collect

To provide you with the best possible dental care, we collect and process the following information:

• • Personal details: name, age, date of birth, address, contact information
• • Medical and dental history relevant to your treatment
• • Clinical records including radiographs (x-rays), photographs, and study models
• • Treatment plans, clinical notes, and treatment costs
• • Correspondence with other healthcare professionals regarding your care

How Long We Keep Your Data

Data Retention Periods

• • Dental records are kept while you remain an active patient
• • Records are retained for at least 11 years after you cease to be a patient
• • For children, records are kept until their 25th birthday or 11 years after completion of treatment, whichever is longer
• • Records may be retained longer if required for legal purposes

Who We Share Your Data With

We may share your information on a strictly "need-to-know" basis with:

• • Your general medical practitioner (with your consent)
• • Hospital and community dental services for referrals
• • Other health professionals involved in your care
• • Dental insurance companies (with your authorization)
• • Private dental schemes of which you are a member
• • Dental laboratories for treatment purposes

Your Rights

Access to Your Records

Under data protection legislation, you have the right to:

• • Request access to your personal data we hold
• • Request correction of inaccurate information
• • Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• • Object to processing of your data
• • Request restriction of processing your data
• • Request transfer of your data

Data Security

We take the security of your personal data seriously and have implemented appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect it:

• • All electronic data is password protected and encrypted
• • Paper records are stored in locked filing systems
• • Access to patient data is restricted to authorized personnel only
• • Staff receive regular training on data protection and confidentiality
• • Regular audits ensure compliance with data protection policies

Contact Information