PRIVACY POLICY
SHUMACK DENTAL & IMPLANTS PRIVACY POLICY
1. Our Commitment to Privacy
At Shumack Dental & Implants, we understand that your personal and health information is highly sensitive.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information with care, professionalism and integrity. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, how it is stored, and your rights regarding access to your information.
This Privacy Policy has been developed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and applicable health records legislation.
2. Who We Are
Shumack Dental & Implants is a dental practice located in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales providing general, cosmetic, restorative, implant and surgical dental services.
Contact Details
Shumack Dental & Implants
15-17 Trail Street
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Phone: (02) 6921 2333
Email: hello@shumackdental.com.au
Website: www.shumackdental.com.au
3. Information We Collect
3.1 To provide safe and appropriate dental care, we may collect personal information including:
(a) Name
(b) Date of birth
(c) Address
(d) Telephone numbers
(e) Email address
(f) Emergency contact details
(g) Occupation (where relevant)
3.2 We may also collect sensitive health information including:
(a) Medical history
(b) Current medications
(c) Allergies
(d) Dental history
(e) Smoking history and lifestyle factors relevant to treatment
(f) Clinical examination findings
(g) Radiographs
(h) CBCT scans
(i) Intraoral scans
(j) Clinical photographs
(k) Treatment records
(l) Referral correspondence
(m) Specialist reports
3.3 We may also collect:
(a) Medicare information
(b) DVA information
(c) Private health insurance information
(d) Payment and billing information
4. Why We Collect Your Information
We collect, use and disclose your personal information to provide dental treatment and oral healthcare services. This includes diagnosing conditions and planning treatment. We may communicate with you regarding appointments and treatment, arrange referrals to specialists and other healthcare providers, and process Medicare, DVA and private health fund claims.
We maintain accurate clinical records and comply with legal, regulatory and professional obligations. We also use this information to improve the quality and safety of our services.
Without relevant information, we may be unable to provide treatment, arrange referrals, process Medicare or health fund claims, or otherwise deliver appropriate dental care.
5. How We Collect Information
5.1 We collect information directly from you through:
(a) New patient forms
(b) Medical history updates
(c) Treatment consent forms
(d) Consultations and appointments
(e) Telephone calls
(f) Emails and correspondence
(g) Online forms submitted through our website
5.2 With your consent, or where authorised by law, we may also collect information from:
(a) Referring practitioners
(b) Medical practitioners
(c) Dental specialists
(d) Radiology providers
(e) Pathology providers
(f) Health insurers
(g) Family members or guardians acting on your behalf
Where a patient is under 18 years of age, or otherwise lacks decision-making capacity, we may collect personal information from, and disclose relevant information to, a parent, guardian or other person authorised to make healthcare decisions on the patient's behalf, as permitted by law.
6. Digital Dentistry, Imaging and Clinical Records
Modern dentistry relies on digital technologies to improve diagnosis, communication and treatment outcomes. As part of your care, we may collect and store digital radiographs, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans, intraoral scans, clinical photographs, digital treatment plans, laboratory design files, and digital records relating to implants, crowns, veneers and other dental treatments.
These records form part of your dental record. They are maintained in accordance with professional, ethical and legal requirements.
We may also utilise digital software tools, including software incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) or machine-learning technologies, to assist with clinical documentation and communication. These technologies are used as support tools only and do not replace the clinical judgement of our dental practitioners. Any use of patient information through such systems is subject to appropriate privacy, confidentiality and security safeguards.
7. Clinical Photography
Clinical photographs may be taken during diagnosis, treatment planning and treatment review. These photographs may be used for clinical documentation, treatment planning, monitoring treatment progress, communication with dental laboratories, and communication with specialists and other healthcare providers involved in your care.
Clinical photographs form part of your confidential dental record.
Photographs will not be used for marketing, education, publication or social media purposes without your specific consent.
8. Referrals, Specialists and Dental Laboratories
Providing high-quality dental care often requires collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
8.1 With your consent, we may disclose relevant information to:
(a) Dental specialists
(b) Medical practitioners
(c) Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
(d) Periodontists
(e) Prosthodontists
(f) Orthodontists
(g) Radiology providers
(h) Pathology providers
(i) Dental laboratories
Where required, we obtain patient consent before disclosing health information to third-party providers involved in the delivery of your care or the administration of our services.
Information disclosed is limited to what is reasonably required to provide treatment and support your care. This may include transfer of intraoral scans, CBCT data, photographs and digital design files.
9. How We Use and Disclose Information
9.1 We may use and disclose your information for purposes directly related to your treatment and care, including:
(a) Providing dental services
(b) Appointment scheduling and recalls
(c) Communication regarding treatment
(d) Specialist referrals
(e) Health fund and Medicare claims
(f) Quality assurance activities
(g) Legal and regulatory compliance
We do not sell personal information.
We may send appointment reminders, recalls and information relating to your oral health care. We will only send marketing communications where permitted by law or where you have consented. You may opt out at any time.
10. Anonymity and Pseudonymity
Where lawful and practical, individuals may interact with us anonymously or using a pseudonym. However, to provide dental treatment and maintain accurate clinical records, we generally require patients to identify themselves and provide accurate personal information.
11. Cloud Storage and Information Security
Shumack Dental & Implants uses secure cloud-based practice management systems, including Praktika Dental Manager, to assist in the management and storage of patient records. Praktika is an Internet based online dental practice management software package developed by Lizard Software Pty Ltd.
Patient information may be stored electronically using secure cloud infrastructure maintained by trusted technology providers engaged by Praktika and other healthcare service providers. Security measures implemented by our technology providers may include encryption technologies, secure data centres, access controls, user authentication, audit logging and other cybersecurity protections designed to safeguard patient information.
Our technology providers may maintain system access logs, audit trails and user activity records for security, compliance and system administration purposes.
We take reasonable steps to protect information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.
11.1 Security measures may include:
(a) Restricted staff access
(b) Password protection
(c) User authentication controls
(d) Encryption technologies
(e) Secure backups
(f) Staff confidentiality obligations
(g) Cybersecurity monitoring and updates
We regularly review our systems and procedures to support the protection of patient information.
Should you require more information regarding Praktika’s Privacy Policy, this can be provided upon request at reception.
12. Overseas Disclosure
Shumack Dental & Implants uses Australian-hosted practice management systems, including Praktika Dental Manager, which stores patient information on servers located within Australia. Some other technology providers engaged by the practice may utilise cloud infrastructure located outside Australia. Where personal information is stored or processed outside Australia, we take reasonable steps to ensure providers maintain privacy and security standards consistent with Australian privacy laws.
Further information regarding our technology providers and data storage arrangements is available upon request.
13. Website, Cookies and Online Services
13.1 When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:
(a) IP address
(b) Device information
(c) Browser type
(d) Website usage information
This information assists us in maintaining and improving our website and services.
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies. You may adjust your browser settings to manage cookie preferences.
14. Accessing Your Information
You may request access to personal information we hold about you.
Requests should be submitted in writing to:
We may require verification of identity before releasing records.
Access may be refused in circumstances permitted by law.
Reasonable administrative fees may apply where extensive copying or transfer of records is requested.
15. Correcting Your Information
We take reasonable steps to ensure information is accurate, current and complete.
If you believe information we hold is inaccurate or incomplete, please contact us and we will take reasonable steps to correct it.
16. Record Retention and Secure Disposal
Dental records are retained in accordance with legal, professional and regulatory requirements.
When records are no longer required to be retained, they are securely destroyed or permanently de-identified. Some information may remain in secure archived backup systems for a limited period as part of routine disaster recovery and business continuity processes.
17. Data Breaches
In the event of a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm, Shumack Dental & Implants will comply with the requirements of the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme and notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) where required.
18. Privacy Complaints
If you have concerns about how your information has been handled, please contact us in the first instance.
Practice Manager
Shumack Dental & Implants
hello@shumackdental.com.au
We will investigate your complaint and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
www.oaic.gov.au
1300 363 992
19. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, technology or practice operations.
The most current version will be available on our website and from our reception team upon request.
This policy was last reviewed on 15 June 2026.