Privacy Policy
Last Updated: November 2025
At Smile Sydney, we are committed to protecting your privacy as both an online visitor and patient.
We respect your confidentiality and manage all personal and health information in accordance with:
- The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
- The Health Records and Information Privacy Act (NSW)
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines
- The Australian Dental Association (ADA) Code of Ethics
1. Our Privacy Commitment
We protect your personal and health information by:
- Using secure, encrypted systems to safeguard data.
- Complying with all privacy, legal, and professional obligations.
- Maintaining accurate, factual, and evidence-based website content.
- Avoiding any misleading, exaggerated, or unverifiable claims.
- Ensuring patient information is only used with informed, written consent.
- Providing transparency on how we collect, use, and share your information.
- Allowing you to access and update your personal information at any time.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect information through:
- Website forms (appointment bookings, contact forms, newsletter sign-ups).
- Patient intake and feedback forms (with consent).
- Communication by phone, email, or in-person visits.
- Secure third-party platforms used for bookings or payments.
Types of data collected include:
- Identification: name, date of birth, and contact details.
- Health data: medical history, allergies, and clinical records.
- Financial data: billing information (credit card data is not stored).
- Digital data: anonymised website analytics (via cookies).
3. Testimonials and Patient Images
At Smile Sydney, your trust matters to us — and so does honesty in everything we share.
We strictly follow the AHPRA and Australian Dental Association (ADA) guidelines to ensure all information we publish is factual, ethical, and never misleading.
Testimonials
We value every patient’s feedback, but to stay compliant with AHPRA rules, we cannot use or publish testimonials that mention treatment results, outcomes, or our clinical performance.
This means:
- We don’t post, quote, or share any reviews that talk about the success of a procedure or how someone’s smile changed after treatment.
- We may include general feedback that focuses on non-clinical experiences — such as our friendly team, welcoming environment, or easy booking process — as long as it doesn’t refer to treatment outcomes.
- Patients are welcome to post reviews on independent platforms like Google Reviews, but we don’t repost, link to, or interact with those reviews (e.g., liking or commenting) on our website or social media pages.
This approach helps us stay transparent and ensures that the information you see is balanced, responsible, and compliant.
Before-and-After Images
We understand that real patient photos can help explain treatment possibilities, but AHPRA and ADA guidelines limit how these can be used.
If we ever include clinical images, we make sure they are used only for educational purposes — never to promise results or encourage unnecessary treatment.
To stay fully compliant:
- We only use images of real Smile Sydney patients who have given written, informed consent for their use.
- We never use stock, model, or edited photos to show outcomes.
- Images are taken in consistent lighting, angle, and position to ensure they’re accurate and fair.
- Each image is shown with a mandatory disclaimer, such as:
“Results may vary between individuals. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.” - We also make sure that “after” photos are not more prominent than “before” photos.
If any clinical images are ever used for educational content, they will meet all AHPRA and ADA standards and will never be used for promotional or misleading purposes.
4. Purpose of Collecting Information
Your information is collected and used to:
- Manage appointments and provide personalised care.
- Maintain accurate health and billing records.
- Send reminders and clinic updates (only with your consent).
- Meet professional, legal, and regulatory obligations.
- Conduct internal training, audits, or de-identified research.
5. Marketing and Opt-Out
We may send newsletters or educational updates only with your explicit permission.
You can opt out at any time by contacting us directly.
6. Storage and Security
We ensure your data is safely stored using:
- Encrypted servers and password protection.
- Firewalls and routine security checks.
- Secure disposal of outdated or inactive records according to legal standards.
7. Disclosure of Information
We only disclose your information:
- To support your dental treatment or coordinate with trusted health professionals.
- When legally required (e.g., subpoenas or court orders).
- To protect the safety and rights of patients or staff.
- Under confidentiality agreements during business transitions.
We never sell, rent, or trade personal data to third parties.
8. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access and update your personal records.
- Request corrections to any inaccurate information.
- Withdraw consent for marketing or image use.
- Lodge complaints regarding privacy concerns with our Privacy Officer or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
9. Cookies and Analytics
Our website uses cookies and third-party analytics (Google Ads, Meta Ads) to improve user experience.
These tools do not collect identifiable information. You may disable cookies through your browser at any time.
10. External Links
Our website may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content. Please review their privacy policies before submitting personal data.
11. Online Professional Conduct
Our team follows AHPRA and ADA guidelines for all online communications.
We maintain professional, factual, and compliant content and do not use testimonials, before/after images, or unverified claims in advertising.
12. Complaints and Breach Handling
If you believe your privacy has been compromised, please contact our Privacy Officer immediately.
Unresolved matters can be referred to the OAIC or the Dental Board of Australia.
13. Policy Updates
We may update this policy as privacy or regulatory guidelines evolve.
The latest version will always be available on our website with the “Last Updated” date shown.