Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy – Mickleham Dental Clinic

At Mickleham Dental Clinic, we are committed to providing the highest standard of dental care in a respectful and secure environment. As part of this commitment, we respect your privacy and take our responsibility to protect your personal information seriously.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information, and how you can access or correct your information or make a complaint. Mickleham Dental Clinic adheres to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), as well as applicable State health privacy laws.

1. Types of Information We Collect

We only collect personal information necessary for delivering our dental services, managing our clinic, or responding to your enquiries. The information we may collect includes:

• Full name, address, email and contact number
• Date of birth, gender, and family relationships
• Medicare, health fund or concession details
• Dental and medical history
• Current health status and medications
• Details of previous dentists or other health providers
• Payment details (e.g. credit card or bank information, where required)
• Employment information (if applying for a job with us)

We may also collect sensitive health information, such as your dental treatment records, x-rays, referrals, or medical alerts, to ensure safe and appropriate care.

2. How We Collect Your Information

We collect your personal information in several ways, including:

• Directly from you when you complete forms, book an appointment, or speak with us in person or by phone
• Through our website, online forms, or email correspondence
• From other health professionals, if you are referred to us or provide consent
• From your health fund, Medicare, or other service providers (with your permission)

If you provide personal information about someone else (e.g. a family member), please ensure they are aware and consent to their information being shared.

3. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect your personal information for purposes directly related to your care and to the operation of our clinic, including:

• Booking, managing, and confirming your appointments
• Assessing your oral health and planning appropriate treatment
• Communicating with other healthcare providers involved in your care (with your consent)
• Managing payments, insurance claims, and invoicing
• Meeting legal and regulatory obligations
• Improving our services through patient feedback and internal reviews

We only collect information that is relevant to these purposes or required by law.

4. How We Use Your Personal Information

We use your personal information to:

• Provide safe, effective dental care
• Maintain accurate dental and medical records
• Book and manage appointments and follow-ups
• Process payments and health insurance claims
• Communicate with other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment
• Contact you about upcoming appointments or relevant health reminders
• Improve our services through feedback and quality reviews
• Comply with legal, regulatory, or professional obligations

We may also send occasional updates or promotional messages. You can opt out at any time by contacting us directly.

5. How We Store and Protect Your Information

At Mickleham Dental Clinic, the privacy and security of your personal information are taken seriously. We use a combination of physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards to prevent unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or disclosure. These include:

• Secure electronic patient record systems
• Password protection and access controls
• Staff training in data privacy and confidentiality
• Regular reviews of our privacy procedures
• Password-protected and encrypted systems
• Secure physical storage for documents
• Access restricted to authorised team members only
  

6. Cookies and Website Usage

Our website may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies store non-identifiable information like your browser type and pages visited, which helps us improve website performance and tailor content to your interests. You can manage or disable cookies via your browser settings.

Our website may also include links to third-party websites. Mickleham Dental Clinic is not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies before sharing personal information.

7. Accessing or Updating Your Information

You have the right to access and correct your personal information held by us, subject to some legal exceptions. To do so:

• Please contact us in writing
• Proof of identity may be required
• A small administrative fee may apply for access requests

We encourage patients to keep their contact and health details up to date to ensure safe and accurate treatment planning.

8. Direct Marketing and Communications

We may occasionally send you information about our services, clinic updates, or promotions. You can unsubscribe at any time by contacting our reception team or using the opt-out link provided in emails.

We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

9. How to Make a Privacy Complaint

If you have any concerns about how we handle your personal information, please contact our clinic. We take all complaints seriously and aim to respond within 30 days.

If you’re not satisfied with our response, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992
Mail: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001

10. Contact Us

If you have any concerns about how your information is being handled or would like more details about this privacy policy, please get in touch with us. We take all feedback seriously and aim to resolve privacy-related matters promptly and respectfully. For questions about our Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact:

Mickleham Dental Clinic
Address: 199 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine VIC 3043
Phone: 1300 276 000
Email: [email protected]
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm

11. Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or clinic practices. The most current version will always be available on our website or at reception.

By visiting our website or receiving care at Mickleham Dental Clinic, you consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.