Finesse Dental (“we”, “our”, “us”), your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) (HRIP Act) and the Health Privacy Principles (HPPs) in NSW.
Information We Collect
We may collect the following personal and health information:
- Personal details: Name, date of birth, contact information, emergency contacts.
- Health information: Medical and dental history, X-rays, photographs, medications, allergies, treatment plans. (Under the HRIP Act, “health information” means information or an opinion about your physical or mental health or a health service you receive or will receive.)
- Other information: Payment details, health insurance information, referral details. We collect this information to provide you with safe and effective dental care.
How We Collect Information
We usually collect information:
- Directly from you via appointment forms, online bookings, emails, phone calls, and consultations.
- From third parties such as referring dentists, specialists, or your health insurer (with your consent or as otherwise permitted by law).
We will make you aware of certain matters at the time of collection, such as the purpose of collection and who will receive the information, in line with HPP 4 / APPs.
How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide dental services, treatments, and advice.
- Manage appointments, reminders, and communications.
- Process payments and insurance claims.
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations. We will not use your information for marketing purposes without your consent.
Disclosure of Information
Your information may be shared with:
- Our dental and administrative staff as required for your care.
- Referring dentists, specialists, laboratories, or other health professionals relevant to your treatment (with your consent or as otherwise allowed under NSW law).
- Health insurers or government agencies, if required by law. We will never sell your information to third parties.
If we transfer your health information across interstate or to overseas recipients, we will take reasonable steps to ensure it is protected accordingly.
Data Storage and Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. This includes:
- Secure electronic records and password-protected systems.
- Locked storage for physical documents.
- Restricted access to authorised personnel only. We comply with HPP 5 (Retention and Security) of the HRIP Act when managing your health information.
Access and Correction
You have the right to:
- Access your personal and health information held by us.
- Request corrections to any incorrect or incomplete information.
Under the HRIP Act (NSW), we will provide access or correction unless a legal exception applies. Please contact us at info@finessedental.com.au to make a request. We may need to verify your identity before providing access.
Retention of Information
We retain your records in accordance with legal and professional guidelines and for as long as required to fulfil the purpose of collection or any legal requirement. Typically:
- Adults: Minimum of 7 years after the last visit (or longer if required).
- Minors: At least until 7 years after they turn 18 (or longer as required by law).
Complaints
If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact us at (02) 8806 0790 or info@finessedental.com.au
If you are dissatisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with:
- The Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC)
- The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
We will cooperate with any investigation.
Consent
By using our services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.
