Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
BluSky Dental ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information and personal health information when you visit our dental offices or use our services.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect:
- Name, address, phone number, email
- Date of birth
- Insurance information
- Emergency contact information
- Payment information
Personal Health Information
To provide dental care, we collect:
- Medical and dental history
- Current medications
- Allergies
- X-rays and diagnostic images
- Treatment records
- Clinical notes
Website Information
When you visit our website, we may collect:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Pages visited
- Referring website
- Cookies (see Cookie Policy below)
How We Use Your Information
Providing Care
- Diagnosing and treating dental conditions
- Coordinating your care
- Communicating with you about appointments
- Processing insurance claims
- Billing and collections
Legal Compliance
- Meeting regulatory requirements
- Responding to legal requests
- Professional licensing requirements
Practice Operations
- Improving our services
- Appointment reminders
- Patient satisfaction surveys
- Practice administration
Communications
With your consent:
- Appointment reminders (phone, text, email)
- Recall notices for checkups
- Information about our services
- Newsletter (if subscribed)
How We Protect Your Information
We implement appropriate safeguards:
Physical Security
- Secure storage of paper records
- Controlled access to treatment areas
- Locked filing systems
Electronic Security
- Encrypted data transmission
- Secure servers and databases
- Password-protected systems
- Regular security updates
Staff Training
- Privacy training for all employees
- Confidentiality agreements
- Access limited to need-to-know basis
Disclosure of Information
We may disclose your information:
With Your Consent
- To other healthcare providers you authorize
- To family members you designate
- For insurance claims processing
Without Your Consent (as permitted by law)
- Legal requirements (court orders, subpoenas)
- Public health authorities
- Regulatory bodies
- Emergency situations
- Billing and collections (limited information)
We Never Sell Your Information
Your personal and health information is never sold to third parties.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
Access Your Records
Request copies of your dental records. We may charge a reasonable fee for copies.
Request Corrections
Ask us to correct inaccurate information in your records.
Know How Information Is Used
Request information about how your data has been used or disclosed.
Withdraw Consent
Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information (though this may affect our ability to provide care).
File a Complaint
Lodge a complaint with us or the Information and Privacy Commissioner if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
Retention of Records
We retain dental records as required by:
- College of Dentists regulations
- Provincial health records legislation
- Tax and business requirements
Generally, adult records are retained for 10 years from last visit; children's records until age 28 or 10 years from last visit, whichever is later.
Cookies and Website Tracking
Our website uses cookies to:
- Improve website functionality
- Analyze website usage
- Remember your preferences
You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some website features may not function properly.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites.
Children's Privacy
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website without parental consent. Dental records for minor patients are managed with parent/guardian involvement.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The effective date at the top indicates the latest revision. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us About Privacy
Privacy Officer
For questions or concerns about your privacy:
BluSky Dental Privacy Officer
Email: privacy@blusky.dental
Phone: (613) 728-1511
Mail:
BluSky Dental
20 – 1620 Scott Street
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4S7
We will respond to privacy inquiries within 30 days.
At BluSky we BEElieve in bringing life to your smile. 🐝