The importance of confidentiality
The relationship between dentist and patient is based on the understanding that any information revealed by the patient to the dentist will not be divulged without the patient’s consent. Patients have the right to privacy and it is vital that they give the dentist full information on their state of health to ensure that treatment is carried out safely. The intensely personal nature of health information means that many patients would be reluctant to provide the dentist with information if they were not sure that it would not be passed on. If confidentiality is breached, the dentist/dental hygienist/dental therapist/dental nurse faces investigation by the General Dental Council and possible erasure from the Dentists or DCP Register; and may also face legal action by the patient for damages and, for dentists, prosecution for breach of the 1998 Data Protection Act.
General Dental Council
All staff must follow the General Dental Council’s rules for maintaining patient confidentiality contained in Standards for dental professionals and Principles of patient confidentiality.
If confidentiality is breached, each registered dental professional involved is responsible to the Council for their individual conduct.
What is personal information?
In a dental context, personal information held by a dentist about a patient includes:
Data protection code of practice
The practice’s data protection code of practice provides the required procedures to ensure that we comply with the 1998 Data Protection Act. It is a condition of engagement that everyone at the practice complies with the code of practice.
Access to records
Patients have the right of access to their health records held on paper or on computer. 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. Care should be taken to ensure that the individual seeking access is the patient in question and where necessary the practice will seek information from the patient to confirm identity. The copy of the record must be supplied within 40 days of payment of the fee and receipt of identifying information if this is requested.
Access may be obtained by making a request in writing and the payment of a fee for access of up to £10 (for records held on computer) or £50 (for those held manually or for computer-held records with non-computer radiographs). We will provide a copy of the record within 40 days of the request and fee (where payable) and an explanation of your record should you require it.
Our dental hygiene service forms an essential part of our practice ethos as we aim to prevent dental decay and gum disease. Our highly skilled dental hygienists have been successfully cleaning and maintaining healthy mouths for many years.
Some people are concerned with the facial ageing process with common concerns being wrinkling as well as a loss of structure and volume from their face.
If you have a broken tooth or are suffering from toothache our team will work extremely hard on your behalf to prioritise your emergency.
There are many ways to repair teeth but the most commonly used techniques are fillings and crowns. There are also different materials that can be used such as metallic, resin and ceramic based materials.
For some having missing teeth can be an aesthetic concern affecting confidence. For others it can be a functional problem as it can impact upon your ability to chew your favourite foods.
If you lack confidence in the appearance of your teeth than a smile maker may be the solution. Smile makeovers involve a combination of treatments such as teeth whitening, white fillings, veneers, crowns, braces and dental implants.
If you would like to straighten your teeth for a natural and beautiful smile then orthodontic treatment may be for you. Our orthodontic journey is aimed to bring you a smile that you are proud of.
The Enlighten whitening system that we use is specifically designed to brighten and rejuvenate your smile. We have been using this system for many years as the results are exceptional.
Gum health is important for your smile, comfort, confidence and quality of life. A great deal of research has looked into the affects of gum disease on your general health.