Sweet Tooth Dental
At Sweet Tooth Dental, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020 in New Zealand.
1. Information We Collect
We collect personal and health information necessary to provide you with high-quality dental care. This may include:
- Personal Details: Your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address, and emergency contact information.
- Health Information: Medical and dental history, treatment records, X-rays, prescriptions, and notes from your appointments.
- Payment Information: Billing details, insurance information, or payment records.
- Other Information: Information you provide voluntarily, such as feedback or preferences about your care.
We may collect this information directly from you, from a parent or guardian (if applicable), or from other healthcare providers with your consent.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide dental treatment and care tailored to your needs.
- Manage appointments, including sending reminders via phone, email, or text (with your consent).
- Process payments and insurance claims.
- Comply with legal obligations, such as reporting to government agencies when required.
- Improve our services, including internal training and quality assurance.
3. How We Share Your Information
Your information is treated as confidential and will only be shared when necessary. We may disclose your information to:
- Healthcare Providers: Other professionals (e.g., specialists or laboratories) involved in your care, with your consent or as required for treatment.
- Legal Requirements: Authorities if required by law, such as under a court order or for public health reasons.
- Third-Party Services: Trusted service providers (e.g., IT or payment processors) who are bound by confidentiality agreements and comply with privacy laws.
We will not sell or share your information for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.
4. How We Protect Your Information
We take reasonable steps to safeguard your information, including:
- Storing physical records in secure, locked areas.
- Using encrypted digital systems for electronic records.
- Limiting access to staff who need it to perform their duties.
- Regularly reviewing our security practices.
5. Your Rights
Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:
- Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
- Ask us to correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information (where applicable).
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details below. We will respond to your request within 20 working days, as required by law.
6. Retention of Information
We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide care and meet legal requirements. Health records are typically kept for at least 10 years after your last visit, in line with the Health (Retention of Health Information) Regulations 1996. After this period, records are securely destroyed.
7. Cookies and Website Use
If you visit our website, we may use cookies to improve your experience. These collect limited data, such as your browsing preferences, but do not identify you personally unless you submit information through a form. You can manage cookie settings in your browser.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will be available at our practice or on our website.
9. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please reach out to:
Sweet Tooth Dental
52 Charles Street, Rangiora 7400
03 662 5025
office@sweettoothdental.nz