Confidentiality Policy

This practice recognises that all members of the team have an ethical and legal duty to keep patient information confidential. The relationship this practice has with each patient is based on trust that information will not be given to external persons or organisations without the patient’s consent. All members of the practice team are expected to comply with this policy and are advised to be aware of the confidentiality clause within their staff contract. Breaches of this policy could lead to dismissal.

‘Standards for Dental Professionals’, guidance from the General Dental Council, notes that practitioners must ‘Protect the confidentiality of patients’ information’.

This means:

Only in exceptional circumstances can a breach of confidentiality be justified.

Preventing breaches of confidentiality
We will keep all confidential data stored securely and will not allow it to be placed in areas where data may be seen by unauthorised personnel.

We will not provide information:

Recall cards and other personal information will be sent in a sealed envelope.

Disclosure of information
If it is necessary to release information about a patient:

If we use patient information (eg. radiographs, study models) for teaching purposes we will gain the patient’s consent and ensure the patient cannot be identified from the information released.

Exceptional circumstances
Responsibility for disclosure rests with the patient’s dentist only. Under no circumstances will any other member of our staff make such a decision.
There may be some circumstances when the dentist feels it would be in the public interest to breach a patient’s confidentiality. In such cases we will seek advice from our indemnifier before releasing the patient’s information to a third party.

A court may order us to release information without the patient’s consent. If so, we will only release the minimum information.

Access to records
Patients have a right to see their records and we will meet any request within 40 days. A request from a patient to see records or for a copy must be referred to the patient’s dentist.

More information
For more information on this topic, speak with the practice owner or practice manager.

FIND US

Where to find us

We are on the main bus route with the following services:

3, 7, 8, 29, 31, 37, 47, 49

Free on-street parking close by but please observe parking restrictions in force between 10am and 11.30am in Ventnor Terrace.

Virtual Tour

CONTACT US

Call 0131 668 1521
Click to email us

OPENING HOURS

Monday: 8:30am – 6pm
Tuesday: 8:30am – 6pm
Wednesday: 8:30am – 6pm
Thursday: 8:30am – 6pm
Friday: 8:30am – 1pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed