Privacy Policy
Direct Denture Services
Updated Date: July 31, 2025
Direct Denture Services is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information and personal health information entrusted to us. As a denturist practice in Ontario, we comply with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA), the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), and all other applicable privacy legislation.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, safeguard, and retain personal information and personal health information.
1. What Is Personal Information and Personal Health Information?
Personal information means information about an identifiable individual, such as name, address, phone number, email address, and billing information.
Personal health information includes identifying information relating to an individual’s physical or mental health, dental or denture history, treatment plans, diagnostic information, records, and payment for healthcare services.
2. Why We Collect Information
We collect personal and personal health information for purposes including:
- Providing denture care and treatment
- Establishing and maintaining a patient record
- Communicating with patients about appointments and care
- Billing and payment processing
- Submitting insurance claims
- Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
- Quality assurance and practice management
We only collect information that is necessary for these purposes.
3. Consent
We obtain consent for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal health information, except where permitted or required by law.
Consent may be:
- Express (verbal or written)
- Implied (for example, when you provide information to receive care)
You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice.
4. How We Use and Disclose Information
We may use or disclose personal and personal health information:
- To provide and coordinate care
- To laboratories or other healthcare providers involved in your treatment
- For payment and insurance purposes
- To regulatory bodies (e.g., College of Denturists of Ontario) as required
- As required by law (e.g., court orders, public health reporting)
We do not sell personal information.
5. Safeguards
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal and personal health information against loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, or modification, including:
- Secure electronic systems and password protection
- Locked filing cabinets for paper records
- Staff training on privacy obligations
- Limiting access to information on a need-to-know basis
6. Retention of Records
We retain patient records for the period required by law and professional standards. When records are no longer required, they are securely destroyed or anonymized.
7. Access and Correction
You have the right to:
- Request access to your personal and personal health information
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Requests must be made in writing. We may charge a reasonable administrative fee as permitted by law.
8. Privacy Breaches
If a privacy breach occurs that poses a risk of harm, we will notify affected individuals and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC), as required by law.
9. Questions or Complaints
If you have questions, concerns, or wish to make a complaint about privacy practices, please contact:
Privacy Contact Person: Mark Blanch (Director)
Phone: 416-482-3700
Email: mark@directdenture.ca
Address: 211-10720 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 3C9
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:
Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8
www.ipc.on.ca
10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most current version will be available at our clinic and on our website, if applicable.
Acknowledgement
By receiving services from our clinic, you acknowledge that you have had an opportunity to review this Privacy Policy.