This policy sets out how Aughton Dental Practice uses and protects any information that you provide to us. Here you can read further information about how we use your data. By attending as a patient of Aughton Dental Practice, you are agreeing to the terms set out, and consenting to the use of data described, in this policy.

 We are registered with the Information Commissioners Office, registration No: ZA100239

Personal information

In providing you with our dental services, we handle your personal information. Personal information, is information about you from which you can be identified, such as your name and contact details and includes sensitive personal information such as medical information.

By providing your data and/or information, you consent to the use of your data and information as described or referred to in this privacy notice.

Confidential and Medical information

The confidentiality of your personal information is of paramount concern to Aughton Dental Practice and we comply with UK data protection law and all the applicable medical confidentiality guidelines issued by professional bodies such as the General Dental Council and the British Dental Association.

Your confidential medical information will only be disclosed to those involved with your treatment or care, or in accordance with UK law and guidelines from professional bodies, or for the purposes of clinical audit (unless you object).

Securing information

We are committed to keeping your personal information secure. We have put in place physical, electronic and operational procedures intended to safeguard and secure the information we collect. All staff have a legal duty to respect the confidentiality of your information.

Information submitted to Aughton Dental Practice through a website is normally unprotected until it reaches us. In addition, users are also requested not to send confidential details or bank card numbers, for example, by email. All transmission of personal information and other data is done at your own risk.

Information we may hold about you

The information we hold about you may include the following:

• basic details such as name, address, contact details and next of kin

• details of contact we have had with you

• dental treatment

• medical information

• notes and reports about your health and any treatment and care you have received or need

• patient experience feedback and treatment outcome information you provide

• information about complaints and incidents

• information from customer surveys if not anonymised

• recordings of calls on our telephone answer machine

• other information we receive from other sources, including from your use of our website or Facebook site.

When we collect your information

Information about you is collected when

• you use our services

•   you submit a query to us, for example by email, telephone or social media

We may also collect personal information about you from other people when:

• we liaise with your family, health professional or other treatment or benefit provider. We may only share information in this way where you have provided your consent or in circumstances where you are incapable of giving consent, or we are unable or it is not reasonable to seek your permission, or we are required to by law or in accordance with guidance from professional bodies

Using your information

We use your personal information to provide you with our services, and to improve and extend our services. This may include:

• responding to your queries

• supporting your dental and medical treatment or care

• internal record keeping and administration

• responding to requests where we have a legal or regulatory obligation to do so

• checking the accuracy of information about you, and the quality of your treatment or care

• supporting your carer or other healthcare professional

• assessing the type and quality of care you have received and any concerns or complaints you raise, so that these can be properly investigated

• using your contact information to give you an opportunity to complete a customer satisfaction survey

Sharing information

We do not share your personal information with anyone outside of Aughton Dental Practice to use for their own purposes, except:

• when we have your permission

• when we are permitted or obliged to do so by law. For example, we are required to provide information to government organisations

• to protect the rights, property, or safety of Aughton Dental Practice, our customers, or others

• in order to detect, prevent and help with the prosecution of financial crime. For example: we may share information with fraud prevention or law enforcement agencies, and other organisations.

• if there are other exceptional circumstances, and we are unable or it is not appropriate to seek your permission.

Keeping information

We will only keep your personal information for as long as is necessary and in accordance with UK law.

Accessing information

If you have any data protection queries, please contact Mrs Janet Lundbeck, Practice Manager

Email: aughtondental@btconnect.com

Write to: Aughton Dental Practice, 27 Bold Lane, Aughton L39 6SG

We may charge a small amount for providing you with a copy of your dental records. We may also ask you to provide additional documentation to confirm your identity or, if you are seeking to access personal information of another individual, proof of their consent or your legal right to receive their personal information.

Updating this privacy policy

We will review and update this notice regularly.