1. Our Practice Details

This Privacy Policy is available in digital format and can be converted into a PDF document upon request.

Practice Name: Universal Dental Centre
Address: 18 Carlton Street, Granville NSW 2142
Phone: (02) 9637 1084
Email: info@universaldentalcentre.com.au

Universal Dental Centre is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients’ personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We may collect and store the following kinds of personal information:

Full name
Date of birth
Residential address
Telephone numbers
Email address
Emergency contact details
Medicare details
Health fund details
Payment and billing information
Medical and dental history
Treatment records and clinical notes
Radiographs, photographs, scans and diagnostic records
Referral letters and specialist reports
Appointment and communication records

We may also collect sensitive health information necessary for providing safe and effective dental treatment.

3. How We Collect and Store Personal Information

We collect personal information directly from patients through:

Medical history forms
New patient registration forms
Verbal discussions during consultations
Telephone conversations
Emails and website enquiries
Referral letters from other healthcare providers
Digital imaging and scanning systems

Information may also be collected from parents, guardians, carers, health professionals, or other authorised representatives where appropriate. Patient information is stored securely through:

Secure practice management software
Encrypted digital storage systems
Password-protected computers and servers
Secure cloud-based systems
Locked filing cabinets for physical records

Access to patient information is restricted to authorised staff members only.

4. Why We Collect Personal Information

We collect personal information to:

Provide dental treatment and healthcare services
Maintain accurate clinical records
Communicate with patients regarding appointments and treatment
Process payments and health fund claims
Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
Obtain laboratory and specialist services
Manage recalls, reminders and follow-up care
Improve the quality of our services

If relevant personal information is not provided, we may not be able to provide appropriate treatment or services.

5. How We Use and Disclose Personal Information

We use personal information for purposes directly related to patient care and practice operations. We may disclose personal information to:

Dental laboratories
Dental specialists and other healthcare providers
Health funds and Medicare
Government agencies where legally required
Insurance companies and workers compensation insurers
IT service providers assisting with secure data management
Debt recovery agencies where accounts remain unpaid

We will only disclose personal information where:

the patient has consented,
it is required for treatment purposes,
or where disclosure is authorised or required by law

6. Accessing and Correcting Personal Information

Patients may request access to their personal information or request corrections if information is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated. Requests should be made in writing to:

Practice Manager
Universal Dental Centre
Email: info@universaldentalcentre.com.au

We may require identification before releasing records. Administrative fees may apply for copying or transferring records where permitted by law.

7. Complaints About Privacy

If a patient believes their personal information has been mishandled, they may lodge a complaint with the practice. Complaints should be directed to:

Practice Manager
Universal Dental Centre
18 Carlton Street, Granville NSW 2142
Email: info@universaldentalcentre.com.au

We will investigate complaints promptly and aim to respond within 30 days. If a patient is not satisfied with our response, they may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): Office of the Australian Information Commissioner Website: www.oaic.gov.au Phone: 1300 363 992

8. Overseas Disclosure of Personal Information

Universal Dental Centre may use secure cloud-based software providers or IT service providers that store or process information outside Australia. Where overseas disclosure occurs, countries may include:

United States
New Zealand
Singapore

We take reasonable steps to ensure overseas service providers comply with privacy obligations and maintain appropriate security standards.

9. Destruction and De-identification of Personal Information

When personal information is no longer required and retention is no longer legally necessary, we will securely destroy or permanently de-identify the information. This may include:

Secure shredding of paper records
Permanent deletion of electronic records
Secure destruction of backup data where practicable

We retain records for the minimum periods required under applicable laws and professional regulations.

10. Updates to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or practice procedures. The latest version will be available at the practice or upon request.