This Privacy Policy explains how Smile Success ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, and protects personal data when you visit our website, contact us, or attend our practice. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

1. Who we are

Smile Success is a private dental practice operated at:

For the purposes of UK GDPR, Smile Success is the data controller for the personal data we collect through this website and our practice.

2. What personal data we collect

2.1 Information you give us

When you submit our enquiry form, call us, message us via WhatsApp, or attend a consultation, we may collect:

Special category (health) data: Photos, X-rays, scans, and clinical descriptions you send us are health data, which is "special category data" under Article 9 of the UK GDPR. We process this data only to assess your enquiry and respond to you, on the basis of: You can withdraw consent at any time by contacting us at reception@smile-success.co.uk and we will delete the relevant material.

2.2 Information collected automatically

When you browse this website, our service providers may automatically collect:

3. How we use your data (purposes and lawful bases)

PurposeLawful basis under UK GDPR
To respond to your enquiry and book a consultationArticle 6(1)(b) — performance of a contract / pre-contractual steps
To provide dental treatment and keep clinical recordsArticle 6(1)(b) and Article 9(2)(h) — provision of healthcare
To send appointment reminders and treatment-related communicationsArticle 6(1)(b) — performance of a contract
Website analytics and performance measurementArticle 6(1)(a) — your consent (via cookie banner)
Marketing measurement (Google Ads, Meta)Article 6(1)(a) — your consent (via cookie banner)
Legal, regulatory, and accounting obligationsArticle 6(1)(c) — legal obligation
Defence of legal claimsArticle 6(1)(f) — legitimate interests

4. Who we share your data with

We share your data only with trusted service providers who help us run our practice and website. Each provider acts as a data processor on our behalf and is contractually required to protect your data.

RecipientPurposeCountry
Netlify, Inc.Website hosting and form submission processingUnited States (see Section 5)
Zapier, Inc.Lead-routing automation between systemsUnited States (see Section 5)
Google LLC (Google Workspace, Sheets, Gmail, Ads, Analytics, Tag Manager)Lead storage, internal notifications, advertising measurementUnited States (see Section 5)
Meta Platforms, Inc. (Pixel)Advertising measurement — not currently active. Will only be enabled in future after a Cookie Policy update and fresh consent prompt.United States (see Section 5)
Meta Platforms, Inc. (WhatsApp)Communications service when you choose to message us via WhatsApp, including any photos, X-rays, or clinical details you choose to sendUnited States (see Section 5)
Tabeo LtdPatient finance applications (only if you apply)United Kingdom
Our clinical software providersClinical records and appointments (when you become a patient)United Kingdom / EEA
HMRC, regulators, and lawful authoritiesWhere required by lawUnited Kingdom

We do not sell your personal data, and we do not share it with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

5. International transfers

Some of the providers above are based in the United States. Where personal data is transferred outside the UK, we rely on appropriate safeguards as required under UK GDPR, which may include:

You can request a copy of the relevant safeguards by contacting us at reception@smile-success.co.uk.

6. How long we keep your data

Data typeRetention period
Website enquiry forms (non-patient)2 years from last contact, then deleted
Clinical records (adult patients)11 years from end of treatment, per NHS / GDC guidance
Clinical records (patients under 18)Until 25th birthday, or 11 years from treatment end — whichever is later
Financial / accounting records6 years (HMRC requirement)
Cookies and analyticsSee our Cookie Policy

7. Your rights under UK GDPR

You have the following rights in relation to your personal data:

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at reception@smile-success.co.uk or write to the practice address above. We will respond within one month.

Right to complain: If you are unhappy with how we handle your personal data, you can complain to the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
Website: ico.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 123 1113
Address: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF

8. Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including TLS encryption in transit, access controls, password protection, and staff training. While no system is perfectly secure, we work hard to safeguard your information.

9. Children

This website is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 16 through our website. If you believe a minor has submitted data through our forms, please contact us so we can delete it.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the latest version. Material changes will be notified on the website.

11. Contact us

For any privacy-related question or to exercise your rights: