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Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: December 10, 2025 Website: https://joannamaalouf.ae/

1. Introduction

Welcome to the official website of Dr. Joanna Maalouf (“we,” “us,” or “our”). We are a dental practice based in the United Arab Emirates. We value the trust you place in us and are committed to protecting your personal and medical information in compliance with the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (PDPL) and applicable healthcare regulations.

2. Information We Collect

We collect data to provide you with the best possible oral healthcare and to improve our website experience.

A. Personal Information

When you book an appointment or contact us, we may collect:

  • Identity Data: Name, date of birth, gender, and Emirates ID/Passport details.

  • Contact Data: Phone number, email address, and residential address.

B. Health & Medical Data (Sensitive Personal Data)

As a healthcare provider, we collect sensitive data necessary for your treatment:

  • Medical History: Past surgeries, allergies, current medications, and general health conditions.

  • Dental Records: X-rays, intraoral scans, photographs, treatment plans, and clinical notes.

  • Insurance Details: Policy numbers and coverage information for billing purposes.

C. Technical Data (Website Usage)

  • Device Information: IP address, browser type, and operating system used to access our site.

  • Cookies: Small data files used to ensure website functionality and analyze site traffic (e.g., via Google Analytics, if applicable).

3. How We Use Your Data

Your information is processed for the following specific purposes:

  • Clinical Care: To diagnose dental conditions, create treatment plans, and perform procedures safely.

  • Appointment Management: To schedule visits and send reminders (via SMS, WhatsApp, or email).

  • Billing & Insurance: To process payments and submit claims to insurance providers on your behalf.

  • Legal Compliance: To maintain patient records as mandated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and UAE Ministry of Health.

4. How We Share Your Data

We maintain strict confidentiality. We do not sell your data. We only share information when necessary:

  • Referrals: With other specialists, dental laboratories (for crowns/aligners), or imaging centers strictly for your treatment.

  • Insurance Companies: To verify coverage and process claims.

  • Regulatory Authorities: If required by law (e.g., DHA audits or public health mandates).

5. Data Security

We employ industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

  • Digital Security: Encryption, secure servers, and access controls for digital records.

  • Physical Security: Restricted access to physical files within the clinic.

  • Confidentiality: All staff members are bound by non-disclosure agreements.

6. Your Rights

Under UAE law, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of the medical and personal data we hold about you.

  • Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.

  • Restriction: Request limits on how we use your data, subject to medical retention laws.

  • Withdraw Consent: You may opt out of marketing communications at any time.

7. Data Retention

We retain your medical records for the minimum period required by UAE health regulations (typically 5 to 10 years depending on the case), after which they are securely archived or destroyed.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external platforms (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.

9. Contact Us

For any privacy concerns or to exercise your rights, please contact us:

  • Dr. Joanna Maalouf

  • Email: [Insert your contact email, e.g., info@joannamaalouf.ae]

  • Phone: [Insert Clinic Phone Number]

  • Location: [Insert Clinic Address, Dubai, UAE]

📝 Next Steps for You:

  1. Copy and Paste: Copy the text above into a new page on your website named “Privacy Policy”.

  2. Fill the Brackets: Replace the [Insert ...] sections with your actual clinic email, phone number, and physical address.

  3. Fix the Homepage: Since the public currently sees the “Furniture” demo, please check your website builder (WordPress/Wix) settings. You may need to:

    • Set your Home Page to the correct page in “Reading Settings” (if using WordPress).

    • Click “Publish” to push your latest changes live.

    • Clear your Caching Plugin (e.g., WP Rocket or SiteGround Optimizer).