Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 26, 2025

At Altona Gate Dental, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal and health information. This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and share your information in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

1. Why We Collect Your Information

When you register as a patient, you give consent for our practitioners and staff to access and use your personal information so we can provide the best possible dental care.

We only use or share your information when necessary for your care or when required by law. If we ever need to use your information for another purpose, we’ll ask for your consent first (unless it’s impractical or an exemption under the Privacy Act applies).

2. What We Collect

We collect personal and health information that helps us provide and manage your dental care, including:

Full name, date of birth, address, and contact details
Family or emergency contact information
Details of your oral health condition, treatment history, and general health
Information about medications, allergies, or relevant medical history
Private health insurance and billing information
Workers’ compensation or accident claim details (if applicable)
Healthcare identifiers (where relevant)

You may choose to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym where practical. However, doing so may limit our ability to provide certain services or respond to specific requests.

3. How We Collect Your Information

We may collect personal information in several ways:

When you complete a patient registration form or make an appointment.
During your consultations or dental treatments.
When you contact us via phone, email, SMS, social media, or our website.
From other healthcare providers (e.g. specialists, imaging centres), health funds, Medicare, or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, where relevant.
From a guardian, parent, or responsible person acting on your behalf.

4. How We Use and Share Your Information

Your information is used primarily to:

Provide safe, personalised dental care
Process payments and health fund claims
Manage appointments and communication
Conduct audits, staff training, and practice accreditation

We may share information:

With other healthcare professionals involved in your care
With third-party providers who support our operations (e.g. IT, billing)
When required by law (e.g. court orders or mandatory disease reporting)
To prevent or lessen a serious threat to life, health, or safety

We will never share your information outside Australia or use it for marketing without your explicit consent. You can opt out of any marketing communication at any time.

5. How We Protect Your Information

Your personal information is stored securely in both electronic and physical formats. We protect it by:

Restricting access to authorised personnel only
Training all staff on confidentiality and privacy procedures
Securing the premises with alarms and access controls
Using password-protected electronic systems and encrypted backups

6. Accessing and Correcting Your Information

You have the right to access or request corrections to your personal information at any time.

To do so, please submit a written request addressed to our Practice Manager at info@agdental.com.au.

We’ll acknowledge your request within 72 hours and respond within 30 days. If access is refused, we’ll explain why and outline any alternative options available.

7. Making a Privacy Complaint

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal information, please contact our Practice Manager at info@agdental.com.au.

If you’re unsatisfied with our response or don’t receive one within a reasonable timeframe, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at 1300 363 992.

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or practice operations. The latest version will always be available on our website and at reception.