Is your patient information safe?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, confidentiality is defined as ‘the state of keeping or being kept secret or private’.The premise is that all information a patient reveals at the dental practice will be held as privileged and confidential.

One’s medical and health information is of a personal and intimate nature. Patients share the information in order to optimise their dental care. Patients find it easier to discuss personal and health matters with dental nurses –and, in this regard, they must be fully aware of all legal and ethical requirements in maintaining confidentiality.

According to the GDC’s Standards for the Dental Team, you must ‘maintain and protect patients’ information’. It adds that ‘you must protect the confidentiality of patients’ information and only use it for the purpose for which it was given’ and ‘must keep patients’ information secure at all times’. This extends to all avenues – including, but not limited to – patient records, X-rays, photographs, appointment diary, cancelled appointments, recalls and written patient correspondence including emails, social media and so on.