Confidentiality

Question 1

Why do dental practices have to be covered by the data protection act?

Answer 1

As they hold legal documents relating to individuals

Question 2

What makes data sensitive?

Answer 2

If it contains information regarding the physical or mental health of a person, criminal records, political or religious beliefs, ethnicity or religious backgrounds or trade union membership

Question 3

What are the Caldecott principles?

Answer 3

Principles to protect information that is identifiable

Question 4

When can information be released without the patient’s consent?

Answer 4

Road traffic accidents, if a child is under 16 and a parent/guardian needs to be involved, criminal activity or safeguarding

Question 5

How are records stored and maintained on a computer?

Answer 5

Computers are password protected, passwords changed regularly, screen locked when away, only current patient information on screen

Question 6

How are paper records stored and maintained?

Answer 6

In a lockable fireproof filing cabinet, turned downwards so patients cannot see, replace broken polypockets/folders so nothing can fall out