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:
• Using information only for the purposes for which it was given.
• Preventing information from being accidentally revealed.
• Preventing unauthorised access by keeping information secure at all times.

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:
• To a school about a child’s attendance.
• To employers about a patient’s appointments.
• To third parties about appointments or leave answering machine messages.
• Only leave messages to return the practice’s phone call.

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:
• We will obtain the patient’s consent first, where possible and make sure they understand what information is being released, why and any likely consequences.
• We will release the minimum required.
• We will be prepared to justify our decisions and follow on action.

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.

The patient should be given the opportunity of coming into the practice to discuss the records and will then be given a photocopy.

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

Useful organisations:
General Dental Council
Information Commissioner

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It is not difficult to understand how Chong has such an excellent register of loyal patients. He is simply a consummate professional; caring in so many ways. I truly believe that eight years ago, when I was referred to him, he had a plan in his mind as to how he would rid me of years of gum disease and painful multi abscesses.

Denise

Having a dental implant is a big decision, but given the excellent result achieved by Chong, it's one I'm glad I made. Compared with other dental procedures, an implant can seem a lengthy process, involving several visits and patience in between.

Janette

Today, I feel like a new man. I am thrilled with my teeth and only wish I had been recommended to you years ago when my problems first began. I would have no hesitation in recommending you to friends and associates.

Rohinton

Dr Chong has been my dentist for several years now and I would absolutely recommend him, particularly if specialist dentistry is required e.g. dental implants. I have always been very impressed, not only with his technical expertise and professionalism, but also his ability to put me at ease.

Ann

I would like to say a big thank you for the outstanding treatment I received from you. Your care and kindness over the period that I had my two implants was exceptional. From the start, you explained every aspect of the treatment with each visit leading up to the implants, therefore my confidence in you grew. It was the best decision I have made and would encourage anybody thinking of implants to go ahead. The procedure was not painful, as every attempt was made by you to make me feel relaxed and calm. You and your delightful nurse were charming. If, in the future, I were to need any more implants, I would not hesitate in going ahead. Hopefully you will continue to look after all my dental needs in the future.

Linda

I had the very good fortune to be introduced to Chong nearly six years ago, by my regular dentist, when the bridge I had for some time failed and I was in need of some specialist treatment. Since then Chong has looked after my teeth and I have now had four implants. He has helped and advised me on the options at every stage of my treatments and I much admire his professionalism and honesty. I trust him implicitly and know that I am in safe, expert hands. I have, and will continue to, recommend Chong to my friends and to anyone who might need help and guidance with their dental needs.

Pauline

I just wanted to write to tell you how satisfied I was with the implant treatment you have recently completed. From the moment the implant was fitted, it seemed that it had been in my mouth forever. I have to say that the whole process was much less unpleasant than I had expected, probably thanks to your judicious use of the appropriate anaesthetics.

John

I am writing to say how pleased I am with my two implants. Initially, I was very nervous about the procedure, but you explained the process in detail, which both assured me and gave me confidence. That was very important and necessary for me. Family and friends, including my husband, were surprised that I went ahead and many thought it was brave for me, as I am extremely nervous when visiting the dentist. However, when going through implant surgery I felt very comfortable and at ease with the whole process, which I put done to your professionalism and care. The follow-up visits also reassured me that all was well. Success was due to your surgical skills and the confidence you gave me at all times enabled me to do it. I feel they are my own natural teeth. Thank you Chong and all the team.

Vivien

I am writing to tell you how pleased I am with my implant. Thank you for all your care and expertise. It was strange at first, but I am now used to smiling broadly without consciousness of my gap! How lovely to have something permanent and not a plate. Thanks to your skills I feel more confident. All good wishes until I see you again.

Bernadette