Last updated: 31 October 2026

 

1. About this policy

Manning Dental ("we", "us", "our") is a dental practice at 11C Welwyn Avenue, Manning WA 6152, owned and operated by Dr John Cobley. We are bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy explains how we collect, use, store and share personal information, including health information, when you visit our practice, contact us or use our website.

 

2. What we collect

We collect only the information we need to provide your dental care and run the practice. This may include:

• your name, date of birth, address, phone number and email

• health fund, Medicare (including the Child Dental Benefits Schedule) and DVA details

• your medical and dental history, medications, x-rays, photos, treatment notes and treatment plans

• details of your appointments, payments and payment plans

• anything you send us through our website forms, online booking, social media, email, phone, SMS or WhatsApp

 

3. Health information

Health information is sensitive information. We collect it with your consent, mostly from you directly. Sometimes we receive it from another health provider, a parent or guardian, or someone you have authorised. We use it to assess, plan and provide your treatment, and we keep it confidential.

 

4. How we collect information

We collect information when you fill in our patient forms, book an appointment (online, by phone or in person), enquire through our website or a social media lead form, talk with our team, or are referred to us by another practitioner.

 

5. How we use your information

We use your personal information to:

• provide and manage your dental care, including reminders and recalls

• process health fund claims, Medicare and payment plan applications

• communicate with you about appointments, treatment and accounts

• respond to your enquiries

• meet our legal, professional and record-keeping obligations

• improve our services and website

 

6. Marketing

With your consent, we may send you news and offers from Manning Dental by email or SMS. You can opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link or by contacting us. We never sell or rent your personal information.

 

7. Who we share information with

We share information only where it is needed for your care or the running of the practice, or where the law requires it. This may include:

• specialists, laboratories, radiology providers and other health practitioners involved in your care

• health funds, Medicare, DVA and payment plan providers you choose to use

• trusted service providers who help us operate, such as our practice management software, appointment and communication systems, website host and IT support

• government or regulatory bodies where required by law

Our service providers must protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.

 

8. Website, cookies and analytics

Our website is hosted by Wix. Like most websites, it uses cookies and similar tools (including Google and Meta analytics and advertising tools) to understand how visitors use the site and to show relevant ads. These tools collect information such as pages visited, device and browser type, and how you arrived at our site. They do not collect your health information. You can manage or block cookies in your browser settings, though some site features may not work as intended.

 

9. Storage and security

We store records electronically and, where necessary, on paper. We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss and unauthorised access, including access controls, secure systems and staff confidentiality obligations. Some of our service providers use cloud storage that may be located outside Australia. Where this happens, we take reasonable steps to make sure your information is protected to a standard consistent with the APPs.

 

We keep health records for the periods required by law. For adults this is generally at least seven years from your last visit, and for children until they turn 25. After that, records are securely destroyed.

 

10. Data breaches

If a data breach is likely to cause you serious harm, we will notify you and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as required by the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.

 

11. Accessing and correcting your information

You can ask to see or correct the personal information we hold about you. Please contact us in writing. We will respond within 30 days. In limited circumstances allowed by law we may refuse access, and we will explain why. A reasonable fee may apply for copies of records.

 

12. Anonymity

You can make general enquiries without identifying yourself. To provide treatment, we need your name and health details.

 

13. Complaints

If you have a concern about how we have handled your information, please contact our Privacy Officer. We aim to respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.oaic.gov.au or 1300 363 992.

 

14. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The current version is always available on our website and at reception.

 

15. Contact us

Privacy Officer: Deborah Cobley, Practice Manager

Manning Dental, 11C Welwyn Avenue, Manning WA 6152

Phone: (08) 9450 2073

Email: admin@manningdental.com.au

 

This policy is governed by the laws of Western Australia.