January 2026
Designer Smiles (“we,” “our,” “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our patients, website visitors, and clients. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
1. Who we are
Designer Smiles is a dental practice located at [insert address].
You can contact us regarding privacy matters at:
- Phone: (02) 9953 4189
- Email: info@designersmiles.com.au
- Mail: 17 Gerard St, Cremorne, Sydney, NSW, 2090
We are responsible for the personal information we collect and hold.
2. What personal information we collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:
General personal information:
- Name, date of birth, gender
- Contact details (phone, email, postal address)
- Payment information (if relevant)
- Device and website usage information (via cookies and analytics)
Sensitive health information:
- Medical and dental history
- Treatment records
- Diagnostic reports
- Any other health-related information you provide
We collect information directly from you whenever possible (e.g., when you make an appointment, fill out forms, or contact us). We may also collect information indirectly via website analytics.
3. How we use your personal information
We use personal and health information to:
- Provide dental and health care services
- Schedule appointments and send reminders
- Process payments and insurance claims
- Communicate about treatment, services, or promotions (if consented)
- Conduct research and improve our services (de-identified data only)
- Comply with legal obligations
We will not use your health information for marketing unless you provide explicit consent.
4. Disclosure of personal information
We may disclose personal information to:
- Other health professionals involved in your care (with your consent)
- Laboratories, specialists, or referral services
- IT and cloud service providers for data storage
- Regulatory or government bodies as required by law
Cross-border transfers
Some services we use may store data outside Australia (e.g., cloud hosting or analytics). We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as contractual protections or privacy agreements.
5. Cookies and analytics
Our website uses cookies and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar) to improve user experience. These tools may collect personal information such as IP addresses and browsing behaviour. You may disable cookies in your browser settings.
6. Data storage and security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure, including:
- Secure servers and databases
- Access controls and password protection
- Staff training on privacy obligations
7. Retention of information
We retain personal and health information only for as long as necessary for treatment, business, or legal purposes. Health records are generally retained in line with professional guidelines (minimum 7–10 years for adults).
8. Access and correction
You have the right to:
- Access your personal and health information
- Request corrections if information is inaccurate or incomplete
Requests should be made in writing to [insert email]. We may require proof of identity. We will respond within 30 days.
9. Privacy complaints
If you have a privacy complaint:
- Contact us at info@designersmiles.com.au to resolve the matter.
- If unresolved, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
- Website: https://www.oaic.gov.au
- Phone: 1300 363 992
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The effective date will be updated. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
