Privacy Policy

Focus Dental Specialists is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information, including sensitive health information. We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in the handling of personal information.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your personal information in connection with the provision of periodontal and oral & maxillofacial surgery services.

What Information We Collect

We may collect personal information including, but not limited to:

(a) Personal Identification Information

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Emergency contact details

(b) Health Information (Sensitive Information)

• Medical and dental history
• Clinical notes, treatment plans, and surgical records
• Diagnostic images (e.g. radiographs, CBCT scans, photographs)
• Referral letters and specialist reports
• Medication history and allergies
• Medicare number and/or private health insurance details
• My Health Record information (where applicable and authorised)

(c) Administrative and Financial Information

• Appointment details
• Billing and payment records
• Correspondence with you or other healthcare providers

How We Collect Information

We collect personal information in a number of ways, including:

• Directly from you (in person, by phone, email, online forms, or written documentation)
• From referring dentists, doctors, or other healthcare providers
• From pathology or diagnostic imaging providers
• Through our practice management and clinical record systems
• Via Medicare, private health insurers, or the My Health Record system (where applicable)

Where possible, we collect information directly from you. If we collect information from third parties, we take reasonable steps to ensure you are aware.

Why We Collect and Use Your Information

We collect and use your personal information for purposes including:

• Providing periodontal and oral & maxillofacial surgical care
• Assessing, diagnosing, and treating dental and medical conditions
• Communicating with referring practitioners and other healthcare providers
• Managing appointments, billing, and practice administration
• Complying with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations
• Quality assurance, clinical audit, and accreditation activities
• Managing complaints and feedback

We only use or disclose your information for purposes directly related to your care, unless otherwise permitted or required by law.

Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your personal information to:

• Referring dentists, general practitioners, and medical specialists
• Pathology laboratories and diagnostic imaging providers
• Hospitals, anaesthetists, and allied health professionals involved in your care
• Medicare, private health insurers, and the Department of Health
• Practice management software providers and secure IT service providers
• Regulatory bodies, professional indemnity insurers, or courts where required by law

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

My Health Record

Where applicable and authorised:

• We may access, upload, or download information from your My Health Record
• You control what is shared through your My Health Record settings
• We comply with the My Health Records Act 2012 (Cth) and relevant rules

You may opt out of My Health Record participation at any time.

Data Security and Storage

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from:

• Misuse, interference, or loss
• Unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure

Security measures include:

• Secure electronic clinical record systems
• Password-protected and access-controlled databases
• Physical security for paper records
• Secure data backup and retention procedures

We retain health records in accordance with Australian legal and professional retention requirements.

Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated information

Requests must be made in writing. We may charge a reasonable administrative fee where permitted by law. In some circumstances, access may be restricted in accordance with the Privacy Act.

Complaints

If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, you may contact us using the details below.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992

Overseas Disclosure

We generally do not disclose personal information overseas. If overseas disclosure is required (e.g. secure cloud services), we take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with Australian privacy laws.

Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will be available on our website or at reception.

Contact Us

For privacy-related enquiries or requests, please contact:

Focus Dental Specialists
Address: 7/377 Cavendish Rd, Coorparoo, Old, 4151
Phone: (07) 3077 9620
Email:  [email protected]