Privacy policy

Camberwell Dental Group

Effective July 2025

At Camberwell Dental Group, we take your privacy seriously.

We are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). Your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal and health information are of the utmost importance to us.

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

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in laws, technology, or our practices. The most recent version will always be available on our website.

1. Who We Are

Camberwell Dental Group is a family dental practice located at:

575 Riversdale Road, Camberwell, VIC 3124
Phone: (03) 9882 4444
Email: info@camberwelldentalgroup.com.au
Website: www.camberwelldentalgroup.com.au

In this policy:

  • "We", "Us", "Our" refers to Camberwell Dental Group and its staff.

  • "You", "Your" refers to our patients or prospective patients.

  • "Personal information" has the same meaning as under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and may include sensitive and health information.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We only collect information that is necessary to provide you with dental care and to operate our practice efficiently.

This may include:

  • Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email

  • Emergency contact details

  • Medicare number and private health insurance details

  • Payment and billing information (including credit card details)

  • Medical and dental history, including family medical history

  • Information provided via contact forms, emails, phone calls or in person

  • Referral letters or reports from other healthcare providers

3. How We Collect Information

We collect your information in several ways:

  • Directly from you when you complete forms, speak with our staff, or visit our clinic

  • Through our website when you submit forms or contact us

  • Via email or phone communications

  • From third parties with your consent (e.g., health funds, referring dentists, medical practitioners)

We will not collect health information without your consent, unless required or authorised by law.

4. Why We Collect Your Information (Use and Disclosure)

We collect and use your personal information to:

  • Provide safe and effective dental care

  • Keep accurate and up-to-date health records

  • Manage appointments and payments

  • Communicate with you regarding your care

  • Process health insurance and Medicare claims

  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

  • Conduct internal clinical reviews and improve our services

  • Send you appointment reminders, health alerts, or information about our services (only with your consent)

Your information may be disclosed to:

  • Dentists or other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment

  • Your health fund or insurer

  • Government agencies where required (e.g., Medicare, ATO)

  • Emergency contacts (in a health emergency)

  • IT providers, legal or financial advisors (on a confidential basis)

  • A third-party collection agency for overdue accounts

  • Regulatory or oversight bodies if legally required

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

5. Use of Health Information

We only use your health information for purposes related to your care, or where required by law.

We will never use or disclose your health information for other purposes without your consent unless:

  • It is directly related to your ongoing care

  • It is necessary to prevent a serious threat to life, health, or safety

  • It is required or authorised by law (e.g., public health requirements)

6. Direct Marketing

From time to time, we may use your contact information to send you health updates, newsletters or information about our services — only with your consent.

You can opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by contacting us.

7. Data Security and Retention

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal and health information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access or disclosure.

This includes:

  • Secure electronic systems with password protection

  • Locked storage for paper records

  • Staff training on privacy and confidentiality obligations

We retain records in accordance with legal requirements. Health records are kept for at least 7 years from the last date of treatment (or until age 25 for minors). After this, records may be securely destroyed or de-identified.

8. Cookies and Website Analytics

We may use cookies and similar technologies on our website to improve your experience.

Cookies collect non-identifiable data such as browser type, pages viewed, and time spent on site. This helps us understand usage patterns and optimise website performance.

You can control cookie settings through your browser. Disabling cookies may affect your ability to access certain features of our site.

We may use Google Analytics or similar services. These third-party providers may also use cookies. No personal health information is shared with analytics or advertising services.

9. Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. We recommend reviewing their policies before submitting any personal information.

10. Overseas Disclosure

In some cases, your personal information may be stored or processed by third-party service providers located outside Australia (e.g., cloud storage or IT support services). We ensure such providers comply with strict privacy and security standards.

11. Access and Correction

You may request access to the personal or health information we hold about you at any time.

To request access or a correction:

  • Please contact our Privacy Officer (see section 13 below)

  • Requests must be in writing

  • We may need to verify your identity

  • Access may be denied in limited circumstances (e.g., where required by law)

We aim to keep your information accurate and up to date. Please notify us if your details change.

12. What Happens If You Choose Not to Share Information

You are not obliged to provide us with your personal information. However, withholding relevant details may impact the quality and appropriateness of care we can provide.

13. Complaints or Concerns

If you believe your privacy has been breached, or you have a concern about how we handle your information, please contact us directly:

Practice Manager
Camberwell Dental Group
Phone: (03) 9882 4444
Email: info@camberwelldentalgroup.com.au

We will investigate your complaint and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:

  • Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
    www.oaic.gov.au | Phone: 1300 363 992

  • Health Complaints Commissioner (Victoria)
    www.hcc.vic.gov.au | Phone: 1300 582 113

14. Updates to This Policy

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated to remain in line with legal and operational requirements.

The current version is always available on our website at:
camberwelldentalgroup.com.au