You have the following personal data rights
Where we get personal information from
We obtain your details when you enquire about our care and service, when you join the practice, when you subscribe to our newsletter or register online, when you complete a registration or medical history form, from family members or carers, and when another healthcare provider refers you for treatment at our practice.
We also use CCTV to:
- Protect the practice premises and property
- Increase the safety of patients, staff and visitors
- Deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour
- Assist in the apprehension, identification and prosecution of offenders (if
required)
- Provide evidence to a court or tribunal (if required)
How long we keep information
We minimise the data that we keep, and do not keep it for longer than necessary.
We keep your records for 11 years after the date of your last visit to the Practice or until you reach the age of 25, whichever is longer. At your request, we will delete non-essential information (for example, some contact details) before the end of this period.
Images captured with CCTV will be kept and destroyed securely after 3 months unless they are needed for longer due to ongoing investigation, legal proceedings, or regulatory compliance.
How we store information
We store your personal information securely [on our practice computer system and in a manual filing system]. Only those working at the practice have access to your information. They understand their legal responsibility to maintain confidentiality and follow practice procedures to ensure this.
We take precautions to ensure the security of the practice premises, the practice filing systems and computers.
We use high-quality specialist dental software to record and use your personal information safely and effectively. Our computer system has a secure audit trail, and we back up information routinely.
Sharing information
To provide you with appropriate care, we might need to share personal data with the following; however, only the minimum information required will be shared:
- Another dentist or other health professional who is caring for you
- Your GP, consultant, or Occupational Health Professional
- A laboratory
- NHS payment authorities
- The Inland Revenue
- The Benefits Agency, if you are claiming exemption or remission from NHS charges
- A private dental scheme, if you are a member
- Safeguarding organisations
Sharing CCTV recordingsWhen using or processing CCTV recordings, we will respect the legal rights of the individuals shown in them. We will not share images or recordings except in the following circumstances:
- If requested by the local authority, police or courts for the investigation, prevention or prosecution of anti-social behaviour or criminal activity
- For bringing or defending a legal claim
- To comply with a police warrant or an order given by a court or tribunal
Duty of confidentiality
Exceptional circumstances might override the duty to maintain confidentiality. We will inform you of requests to share personal information where possible. The decision to disclose information will only be taken by senior staff. Examples include:
- Situations where there is a serious public health risk or risk of harm to other individuals
- When information is required by the police to prevent or detect crime or to apprehend or prosecute offenders (if not providing the information would prejudice these purposes)
- In response to a court order
- To enable a dentist to pursue a legal claim against a patient
Related practice procedures
How to complain
If you have any comments, suggestions, or complaints about how we use your data, you can contact us using the contact details at the top of this privacy notice.
If you remain unhappy with our response or feel unable to discuss it with the Practice, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) on
Phone: 0303 123 1113
or by visiting
Email: https://www.ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint
Review and Revision
This privacy notice is reviewed annually and updated to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with current regulations, guidance, and standards.
Last modified: 16 Sep 2026 - Wellington Dental Practice, 47 High Street, TA218QY