Our Privacy Policy

1. Introduction: Hoosen Dental is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients' personal information. This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa. We value your trust and strive to maintain the highest standards of ethical and legal compliance.

2. Information We Collect

We collect personal information necessary to provide you with quality dental care. 

This may include:

 * Identification Information: Full name, ID number, date of birth, contact details (address, phone number, email).

 * Medical History: Past and present medical conditions, medications, allergies, family medical history.

 * Dental History: Previous dental treatments, X-rays, treatment plans, oral health records.

 * Financial Information: Medical aid details, payment information.

 * Other Information: Any other information you voluntarily provide to us.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

 * Providing Dental Services: Diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing dental care.

 * Communication: Scheduling appointments, sending reminders, providing treatment updates.

 * Billing and Payment: Processing payments, submitting claims to medical aids.

 * Medical Records Management: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records.

 * Legal Compliance: Adhering to legal and regulatory requirements.

 * Quality Improvement: Monitoring and improving our services.

 * Research (with consent): Conducting research studies with your explicit consent.

4. Sharing Your Information

We may share your personal information with:

 * Healthcare Professionals: Other healthcare providers involved in your care, with your consent.

 * Medical Aids: For billing and claims processing.

 * Laboratories and Radiologists: For diagnostic purposes.

 * Legal Authorities: When required by law.

 * Debt Collectors: In cases of unpaid accounts, in accordance with applicable laws.

 * Our IT service providers: For the maintenance of our electronic systems, under strict confidentiality agreements.

 * With your explicit consent: We will never share your information without your express consent, unless required by law.

5. Security of Your Information

We take reasonable and appropriate measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

 * Physical Security: Secure storage of paper records, restricted access to our premises.

 * Electronic Security: Encryption, firewalls, password protection, regular data backups.

 * Staff Training: Regular training on data protection and confidentiality.

 * Access Control: Limiting access to personal information to authorized personnel.

6. Your Rights

Under POPIA, you have the following rights:

 * Right to Access: Request access to your personal information.

 * Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.

 * Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal limitations.

 * Right to Object: Object to the processing of your personal information.

 * Right to Lodge a Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator.

 * Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw your consent at any time, where processing is based on consent.

7. Retention of Information

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website and made available at our practice.

9. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or our privacy practices, please contact our Information Officer:

 * Name: Dr Riaz Hoosen

 * Contact Details: 011 979 1997, info@hoosen.dental

 * Address: 24 Cardigan Road, Parkwood, Johannesburg, South Africa

10. Information Regulator

You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator:

 * Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/

 * Address: SALU Building, 316 Thabo Sehume Street, Pretoria

 * Phone: 012 406 4818