Childrens Privacy Policy

Start Smiling Dental Practice

Last Updated: 18/03/2026

Who we are

We are Start Smiling Dental Practice.
We look after children’s teeth and smiles and we take your privacy very seriously.
We follow UK data protection laws, including:

  • The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
  • The Data Protection Act 2018
  • Guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

Who is responsible for your information?

The person responsible for keeping your information safe is:

Emma Kelly

Practice Manager, Information Governance Lead & Data Protection Officer

Start Smiling Dental Practice
5 Market Place, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 0BY
receptionstartsmiling@gmail.com
01277 886731

www.start-smiling.co.uk

Who this notice is for

This notice explains:

  • how we look after children’s personal information
  • what information we collect
  • why we need it
  • how we keep it safe

Parents, carers and guardians are encouraged to read this too.

What information we collect about children

We only collect information that helps us care for your teeth and health.

This can include:

  • Your name, date of birth and address
  • Parent or guardian contact details
  • NHS number (if applicable)
  • Medical and dental history
  • X-rays, photos and dental records
  • Appointment details

We do not collect unnecessary information about children.

Why we collect this information

We use children’s information to:

  • provide safe and appropriate dental care
  • keep accurate health records
  • contact parents or carers about appointments
  • meet our legal and professional responsibilities

We do not use children’s data for marketing.

How we use and share information

We keep all information confidential.

We will only share information:

  • with other healthcare professionals involved in your care
  • if we are legally required to do so
  • with parent or guardian consent

We never sell children’s data and never share it for advertising purposes.

Where information is stored

  • Records are stored securely in the UK and EU
  • Some secure digital systems may store data in the USA, but only where proper legal safeguards are in place
  • Paper records are kept locked and secure

How long we keep information

Children’s dental records are usually kept for:

  • at least 10 years after the last appointment, or
  • until a child reaches age 25, whichever is longer

This is required by law and professional guidance.

Your rights (and your parent/carer’s rights)

You have rights over your information. These include:

  • the right to know what information we hold
  • the right to see a copy of your records
  • the right to correct mistakes
  • the right to ask us to stop using your information for certain things
  • the right to complain if something isn’t right

Parents or guardians usually exercise these rights on behalf of children.

Cookies and the website

Our website uses cookies to:

  • make the site work properly
  • understand how people use it

We do not use cookies to identify children personally or to advertise to them.

You can manage or turn off cookies in your browser settings.

Keeping information safe

We use:

  • secure computer systems
  • passwords and access controls
  • staff training
  • regular checks

to make sure personal information is protected.

Questions or concerns

If you or your parent/carer have any questions about privacy, please contact us:

receptionstartsmiling@gmail.com
01277 886731

If you are unhappy with our response, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
0303 123 1113
https://ico.org.uk