Last updated: January 2024
1. Introduction
The Forge Dental Surgery is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information in accordance with UK data protection laws, including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, contact information)
- Medical and dental history
- Treatment records and clinical notes
- X-rays and photographs
- Payment information
- Emergency contact details
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide dental treatment and care
- Manage appointments and reminders
- Process payments
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Communicate with you about your care
- Improve our services
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data on the following legal bases: consent, contract performance, legal obligation, vital interests, and legitimate interests.
5. Data Sharing
We may share your information with NHS services, other healthcare providers involved in your care, laboratories, and regulatory bodies as required by law. We will not sell your data to third parties.
6. Data Retention
We retain dental records for the period required by law and professional guidelines, typically 10 years from the date of last treatment for adults, or until age 25 (whichever is longer) for children.
7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)
- Object to or restrict processing
- Data portability
- Withdraw consent
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at info@theforge.dental or call 01451 821268.
9. Complaints
If you are unhappy with how we have handled your data, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.