Privacy Policy

At Yass Valley Dental, protecting your privacy is a priority.

We are committed to complying with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW). Safeguarding your personal and health information is an essential part of the care we provide.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and manage your personal information.

As part of our commitment to transparency and ongoing compliance, this policy may be updated from time to time. Changes take effect as soon as they are published on our website.

Definitions

Yass Valley Dental (“we”, “us”, “our”) refers to the dental clinic operating under this name and its related entities.
You or Your refers to our patients, clients, or website visitors.
Personal information means any information or opinion about you where your identity is apparent or can reasonably be determined.

Collection of Information

1. What We Collect

We only collect information necessary to provide you with quality dental care. This may include:

Contact details (name, address, phone number, email)
Date of birth, gender, and other personal details
Health and medical history
Medicare number and health insurance details
Payment and billing information
Details of previous dental care providers

2. How We Collect It

We may collect information:

When you complete forms or book appointments online or in person
During consultations, treatments, or phone/email communication
From health insurers, referrers, or third parties with your consent
When you subscribe to newsletters or promotional content

Use and Disclosure of Information

3. Primary Use

We use your information to:

Deliver dental care and related services
Maintain accurate patient records
Communicate with you about your treatment
Manage payments and health insurance claims
Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

4. Additional Uses

With your consent or where reasonably expected, your information may also be used to:

Refer you to other healthcare professionals
Improve our services and systems
Conduct internal reviews or audits
Send you updates or promotional materials (you can opt out at any time)

5. Disclosure to Third Parties

We may share your information with:

Healthcare professionals involved in your care
Government authorities where required by law
Health funds and insurers
IT or administrative service providers (including those offshore)
External collection agencies for unpaid fees
Legal or regulatory bodies when legally obliged

We ensure third parties meet our privacy standards before sharing your information.

Use of Health Information

Your health information is used strictly to provide dental care or for related services. It will not be used for any other purpose unless:

You provide consent
It’s directly related to your care and expected
We are legally required or authorised to do so (e.g., public health directives)

Direct Marketing

We may occasionally send newsletters or updates about our services. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by contacting us directly.

Data Quality & Security

We take reasonable steps to ensure the personal information we collect is accurate, up to date, and secure.

Hard-copy files are stored securely in locked cabinets
Digital data is protected with secure systems and backups
We retain health records for at least 7 years, or until age 25 for minors

Website, Cookies & Analytics

We use cookies to improve our website experience. You can manage cookie settings via your browser.
We may also use tools like Google Analytics or third-party advertising platforms, which collect anonymised data to improve our services and reach.

Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to external sites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these third parties. Please review their privacy policies separately.

Overseas Disclosure

Some data may be stored or processed by offshore service providers. We take reasonable steps to ensure overseas recipients handle your information in accordance with Australian privacy laws.

Access & Correction

You have the right to:

Access the personal or health information we hold about you
Request corrections to ensure accuracy and completeness

All requests must be made in writing. Please contact our Privacy Officer using the details below.

Non-Disclosure of Information

If you choose not to share certain personal or health information, we may be unable to provide you with appropriate care or services.

Privacy Complaints

If you have concerns about your privacy or believe your data has been mishandled, please contact our Privacy Officer.
We will respond promptly and in accordance with relevant guidelines issued by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

You may also lodge complaints directly with: