Patient information
We collect and handle personal and health information so we can arrange appointments, communicate with patients, keep records, and provide dental care.
Privacy
Privacy Policy
Dalkeith Dental respects patient privacy. This policy explains the kinds of personal information we may collect, why we use it, when it may be shared, and how you can contact us about your information.
Website contact
If you contact the practice online, by phone, or by email, we use the information you provide to respond and manage your enquiry.
Privacy questions
For privacy questions, access requests, corrections, or concerns, contact the practice before sending sensitive information online.
What personal information means
Personal information is information or an opinion that identifies you or could reasonably identify you. In a dental setting, this can include contact details, date of birth, health information, dental history, radiographs, appointment notes, payment information, health fund details, and correspondence with the practice.
Health information is sensitive information, and we aim to handle it carefully and in line with applicable Australian privacy and health-record obligations.
Information we may collect
The information we collect depends on your interaction with the practice and the care you request. We usually collect information directly from you, your parent or guardian, your authorised representative, or another treating practitioner when relevant.
- Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and emergency contact details.
- Medical history, dental history, symptoms, medications, allergies, clinical notes, images, radiographs, and treatment records.
- Health fund, Medicare, payment, account, and billing information where needed to process payments, rebates, or outstanding accounts.
- Information you provide through online forms, email, phone calls, booking systems, or other practice communications.
How we use your information
We use personal information for purposes connected with running the practice and providing dental care. This includes booking and confirming appointments, assessing dental concerns, preparing treatment plans, keeping clinical records, processing payments, responding to enquiries, and following up care where appropriate.
We may also use information for administration, quality improvement, staff training, practice management, technology support, legal compliance, complaints handling, and communication about practice services. If we send marketing or reminder communications, you can ask us to stop marketing messages.
When information may be disclosed
We may disclose personal information when it is reasonably necessary for your dental care, practice administration, payment processing, legal compliance, or another purpose allowed by law.
- To dentists, hygienists, oral health therapists, specialists, laboratories, imaging providers, or other health practitioners involved in your care.
- To health funds, Medicare, payment providers, debt recovery providers, insurers, professional advisers, technology providers, and practice support services where relevant.
- To a parent, guardian, carer, authorised representative, or emergency contact where appropriate or permitted.
- To regulators, courts, government agencies, or other parties when required or authorised by law.
Storage and security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, and disclosure. Access to patient information is limited to people who need it for practice-related purposes.
No method of online transmission is completely secure. If you are concerned about sending sensitive information by email or through an online form, please call the practice first.
Access, correction and questions
You may ask to access or correct personal information we hold about you. Requests may need to be made in writing, and we may need to verify your identity before responding. In some cases, access may be refused or limited where allowed by law.
For privacy enquiries, contact Dalkeith Dental on 08 9386 3437 or email reception@dalkeithdental.com.au. If you have a privacy concern, we will aim to respond directly with you. You can also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner for information about Australian privacy rights.
Website data and cookies
Like many websites, this site may collect general technical information such as browser type, device information, pages visited, referring pages, and approximate usage patterns. This helps us maintain and improve the website.
The website or third-party tools may use cookies or similar technologies for functionality, analytics, booking, maps, security, or performance. You can adjust cookie settings through your browser, although some website features may not work as intended.
Policy updates
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will be published on this page.