Privacy & Cookies

We Will Keep Your Records Safely

This practice complies with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). This means that we will ensure that your information is processed fairly and lawfully.

What Personal Information Do We Hold?

• Your past and current medical and dental condition, and personal details such as your age, address, telephone number and general medical practitioner
• Your NHS number and entitlement to healthcare treatment, where relevant
• Your exemption status, where relevant
• Radiographs, clinical photographs and study models
• Information about the treatment we have provided or propose, and its cost
• Notes of conversations or incidents for which a record needs to be kept
• Records of consent to treatment
• Correspondence relating to you with other health care professionals

Why Do We Hold This Information?

We need to keep accurate personal data about patients in order to provide you with safe and appropriate dental care, and to process personal data about you if we are providing care under NHS arrangements.

Retaining Information

We are required to retain your dental records, x-rays and study models while you are a patient of this practice, and after you cease to be a patient, for at least 11 years or until age 25, whichever is longer.

Security

Your information is held in the practice's computer system and in a secure manual filing system, accessible only to authorised personnel. Data is encrypted and computer terminals are closed if unattended. Your personal information will not be removed from the practice without your authorised consent.

When We May Need to Disclose Your Information

In order to provide proper and safe dental care, we may need to disclose information to your general medical practitioner, the hospital or community dental services, other health professionals caring for you, NHS payment authorities, HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions, or private dental schemes of which you are a member. Disclosure takes place on a need-to-know basis. In all other situations, disclosure will only occur with your specific consent, unless required by law.

Who Is Responsible for Your Information?

Dr Melt Hanekom is the data controller named under UK GDPR, and is responsible for the correct operation of this practice's data protection policy. If you have a question about how we handle your information, please ask for him at the practice.

Seeing the Information We Hold About You

You have the right of access to the health records we hold about you, whether on paper or on computer, and to receive a copy. Please make your request in writing to Dr Melt Hanekom. There is normally no fee, and we will provide a copy as soon as we can, and within 30 days at the latest.

If You Are Unhappy With How We Have Handled Your Information

Please speak to us first, ask for Dr Melt Hanekom, and we will do our best to put things right. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office, the UK's supervisory authority for data protection, at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.