Privacy Policy

Happy Tooth Kurri Kurri is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal and health information responsibly, in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian privacy principles.

What Information We Collect

We collect personal and health information to provide quality dental care and manage your appointments. This includes:

• Contact information — Name, phone number, email address, postal address
• Health information — Dental history, medical conditions, medications, allergies
• Treatment records — Examination findings, X-rays, treatment notes, photographs
• Payment information — For processing your dental account (credit card details are not stored)
• Insurance information — Health fund details for claims processing

How We Use Your Information

We use your information for:

• Providing dental treatment — To assess, diagnose, and treat your dental condition
• Appointment management — Scheduling, reminders, and follow-up care
• Insurance claims — Processing claims with your health fund
• Record keeping — Maintaining your dental records for continuity of care
• Communication — Contacting you about appointments, treatment, and your oral health
• Research and audit — De-identified data may be used for quality improvement (with strict privacy controls)

We do not use your information for marketing or sell your data to third parties without your explicit consent.

Who We Share Your Information With

We may share your information with:

• Your nominated dentist or specialist — To coordinate your care
• Health funds — To process claims and determine benefits
• Laboratories — For fabricating crowns, dentures, and other restorations (we use only reputable, privacy-compliant labs)
• Emergency services — If you’re unconscious or unable to communicate
• Required by law — If compelled by court order or legal obligation

We do not share your information with anyone else without your consent.

Keeping Your Information Secure

We take security seriously:

• Physical security — Patient records are locked and accessible only to authorised staff
• Digital security — Computers are password-protected and encrypted
• Staff training — Our team is trained in privacy and confidentiality
• Limited access — Only staff who need your information for your care can access it

We cannot guarantee absolute security, but we implement industry-standard safeguards.

Accessing Your Information

You have the right to:

• Access your records — Request a copy of your health and personal information
• Correct inaccurate information — Ask us to update or correct your details
• Request deletion — Ask for your information to be deleted (subject to legal and clinical requirements)
• Lodge a complaint — Report privacy concerns to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

To access your records, contact us on 02 4936 2011.

Data Retention

We retain your dental records:

• While you’re a patient — As long as you’re actively receiving care with us
• After you stop attending — Typically 7-10 years (to comply with professional standards and legal requirements)
• Longer if required — By law, for minors until they reach adulthood, or in case of legal disputes

Your Privacy Rights

Under the Privacy Act, you have the right to:

• Know what information we hold and how we use it
• Access your information on request
• Correct inaccurate information
• Lodge a complaint about privacy breaches
• Opt out of non-essential communications (though clinical communications are necessary for your care)

Complaints and Contact

If you have a privacy concern or complaint:

1. Contact us — Call 02 4936 2011 to discuss
2. Request a formal review — We’ll investigate and respond within 30 days
3. External complaint — If unsatisfied, contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
   • Phone: 1300 363 992
   • Website: www.oaic.gov.au

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We’ll notify you of significant changes.

Contact Us

For privacy enquiries or concerns:

Happy Tooth Kurri Kurri Phone: 02 4936 2011 Address: Kurri Kurri, NSW 2327, Australia

Your privacy is important to us. If you have any questions about how we handle your information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.