Last Updated: 10/09/2024
At SMILE WITH GEORGE, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and data protection, in compliance with the General Dental Council (GDC) regulations and the applicable laws within the United Kingdom, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you interact with our dental practice, either through our website or during dental treatments.
1. Information We Collect
We collect personal data as part of our commitment to providing high-quality dental care and services. The information we may collect includes:
– Personal Details: Name, address, date of birth, and contact details (phone number, email).
– Health Information: Medical and dental history, treatment records, and other information relevant to your care.
– Financial Information: Billing and payment details, including insurance data if applicable.
– Website Data: Browsing behavior, IP addresses, and cookie data to improve your website experience.
2. How We Use Your Information
We collect and process personal data under the lawful basis of legitimate interest and to fulfill our legal obligations under GDC regulations. We may use your data for the following purposes:
– To provide and coordinate dental treatments and services.
– To contact you for appointment scheduling, reminders, and follow-ups.
– To maintain accurate medical and dental records in compliance with legal requirements.
– For billing and payment processing, including any relevant insurance claims.
– To improve our services and website functionality through usage analytics.
3. Legal Compliance and Data Protection
We take your privacy seriously and comply with the following legal frameworks:
– General Dental Council (GDC) Regulations: As a registered dental practice, we adhere to the ethical standards of patient confidentiality and data protection outlined by the GDC, ensuring that patient records are kept secure, up-to-date, and used only for the purpose of dental care.
– UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018: We comply with all relevant data protection laws, ensuring that your data is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently. You have full control over how your data is used, and we ensure that it is protected using technical and organizational safeguards.
4. Data Security
We are committed to protecting your personal data. We employ advanced security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and secure data storage systems, to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure of your information.
5. Sharing Your Information
Your personal information will only be shared under the following circumstances:
– With other dental or healthcare professionals involved in your care.
– With third-party service providers, such as IT support, payment processors, or marketing services, who are bound by confidentiality agreements.
– If required by law, in compliance with UK legislation or local London regulations (e.g., responding to legal requests from governmental bodies or regulatory authorities).
6. Your Rights
As a patient or website user, you have specific rights under the UK GDPR, including:
– Access: You have the right to request access to your personal data and dental records.
– Correction: You may request that we update or correct your information if it is inaccurate or incomplete.
– Erasure: In certain circumstances, you can request that we delete your personal data, provided there are no overriding legal reasons for retaining it.
– Restriction of Processing: You can request that we limit the processing of your data under certain conditions.
– Data Portability: You have the right to receive a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the contact information below.
7. Cookies and Website Tracking
Our website may use cookies to track your browsing activity and improve user experience. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.
8. Compliance with Local London Policies
We comply with all local data protection policies in London, including the specific guidelines set forth by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). In line with these policies, we ensure that your data is processed and stored within secure systems and is accessible only to authorized personnel.
9. Retention of Records
We retain your dental and medical records for as long as required by the GDC and the NHS or for as long as necessary to provide you with ongoing care. When no longer needed, we securely dispose of or anonymize your data in compliance with UK data protection regulations.
10. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies when visiting these websites.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our legal obligations or practices. Any updates will be posted on this page, and we encourage you to review it periodically.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us at:
SMILE WITH GEORGE
Email: he***@****************co.uk
Phone: +44 7542 900522 For complaints regarding data protection practices, you can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) via their website at [ico.org.uk](https://ico.org.uk) or by phone at 0303 123 1113.
