Data Protection Policy

The practice collects, holds, processes and shares personal data in accordance with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. We have carried out and will review as appropriate, a Data Audit.

This Policy applies to personal data in the following categories:

• Patients’ Records, both current and past
• Employees’ data
• Contractors’ data - including dental registrants

We shall ensure that Personal Data, including Special Data (health) will be:

• Processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner
• Collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes only
• Adequate, relevant and necessary for the purpose
• Accurate and updated
• Kept for no longer than is necessary
• Processed in a secure manner and protected against loss, destruction or damage

Data will be held and processed under the following Lawful Basis:

• Patient Data and health records: for the Legitimate Interests of the practice in providing health care and treatment
• Employment records: as a Legal Obligation for the provision of Employment Terms and conditions and supply of data to HM Revenue and Customs and other statutory functions such as pensions and benefits
• Contractor Data: for the fulfilment of contracts

We will additionally secure the specific consent of patients for the provision of electronic communication under the Privacy and Electronic Communication Regulations 2011

We will ensure that the rights of Data Subjects are respected and maintained by:

• The issue and promotion of a Privacy Notice detailing data processed, its origin and any disclosures, the Lawful Bases for processing, and the rights of Data Subjects
• The maintenance of a Subject Access process and the appointment of Zareen Ashraff as Data Protection Officer to oversee that process and to advise on compliance
• A legitimate interest assessment ensuring individuals’ rights are balanced with the legitimate needs of the practice.
• A Data Retention schedule
• An Information Security policy
• A Data Breach Policy
• Contractual assurance of adequate safeguards if data is processed outside the European Union

All data subjects may submit a request to be informed of the data we hold about them, its lawful basis and from whom it is/was obtained and to whom it may be disclosed. We will provide this information without charge and as soon as is reasonably possible and in any event within one month of a valid request being received. Access requests should be addressed (or forwarded without delay) to Zareen Ashraff.

We will ensure that all staff are aware of their duty of strict confidentiality regarding personal data, both professional and under the Data Protection law. We will provide training and assure compliance and will review and refresh training on a regular basis.

It is a condition of continuing employment that all staff are aware of, sign their acceptance of, and comply with, their obligations under this Policy. Any queries or concerns must be immediately addressed to Zareen Ashraff. A breach of this Policy may amount to misconduct and result in disciplinary action. Serious or persistent breaches may result in dismissal.

The practice will publish and maintain an Information Security policy to assure against any loss, damage, unlawful disclosure or non-compliant erasure of data. All staff will be trained and advised of their obligations under this Policy.

It is a condition of continuing employment that all staff are aware of, sign their acceptance of, and comply with, their obligations under this Policy. Any queries or concerns must be immediately addressed to Zareen Ashraff. A breach of this Policy may amount to misconduct and result in disciplinary action. Serious or persistent breaches may result in dismissal.