1. Introduction

Dental Hygienist London ("we", "us", "our"), operating from South Kensington Medical and Dental Clinic, is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Data Controller

Medical and Dental Limited trading as South Kensington Medical and Dental Clinic is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

• Address: 20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3DL
• Email: info@dentalhygienist.london
• Phone: 020 31375055

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Personal Information

• Name, date of birth, gender
• Contact details (address, phone number, email)
• Emergency contact information
• NHS number (if applicable)
• Payment and billing information

3.2 Special Category Data (Health Data)

• Medical history and current medications
• Dental records and treatment history
• X-rays and clinical photographs
• Allergies and relevant health conditions
• Notes from consultations and treatments

3.3 Technical Data

• IP address and browser type
• Website usage data through cookies
• Appointment booking information

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data to:

• Provide dental hygiene and dental care services
• Manage your appointments and send reminders
• Process payments and maintain financial records
• Communicate with you about your treatment
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Improve our services and patient experience
• Send relevant health information and practice updates (with consent)

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on:

• Contract: To provide you with dental services you have requested
• Legal Obligation: To comply with healthcare regulations and legal requirements
• Vital Interests: To protect your health in emergency situations
• Legitimate Interests: To manage our practice and improve services
• Consent: For marketing communications and non-essential cookies

6. Data Sharing

We may share your information with:

• Other healthcare providers involved in your care (with your consent)
• Dental laboratories for treatment purposes
• NHS services where applicable
• Professional indemnity insurers
• Regulatory bodies (GDC, CQC) when required
• Third-party service providers (appointment systems, payment processors)

We never sell your personal data to third parties.

7. Data Retention

We retain dental records for a minimum of 10 years after treatment (or until age 25 for children), in accordance with NHS and professional guidelines. Financial records are kept for 7 years as required by law.

8. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time for consent-based processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details above. We will respond within one month.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including:

• Encrypted storage and transmission of data
• Secure access controls and authentication
• Regular security assessments
• Staff training on data protection
• Secure disposal of physical records

10. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. Essential cookies are necessary for the website to function. Analytics and marketing cookies are only used with your consent. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

11. International Transfers

We primarily process your data within the UK. If any data is transferred internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place as required by UK GDPR.

12. Children's Privacy

For patients under 16, we require parental or guardian consent for treatment and data processing. We take additional care to protect children's data.

13. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we handle your personal data, you can contact us directly. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

• Website: www.ico.org.uk
• Phone: 0303 123 1113

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website with the date of last update.

15. Contact Us

For any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact:

• Address: 20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3DL
• Phone: 020 31375055
• Email: info@dentalhygienist.london