CCTV can enhance safety and security, but must be used appropriately and meet data security requirements.
We will consider data protection and CCTV in a dental practice when we review the well-led key question. This relates to Regulation 17 (good governance).
Types of recording
Overt recording
This is done with obvious cameras. Public areas that could be under surveillance include the waiting room, reception area or car park. Cameras must not record personal areas such as toilets or changing rooms.
Private areas would be the dental treatment room. Equipment should not be used to record private conversations in the dental treatment room.
It must be clear to patients when they enter a public area under surveillance that recording is taking place. Signage must:
- be clear and prominent
- explain, the purpose of recording
- include the name and contact details of those operating the surveillance scheme.
Covert recording
This is where recording is done without the explicit knowledge of the subjects. This would not normally be undertaken in a dental practice.
Data protection
If practices are using CCTV equipment, it is essential they have governance arrangements in place that satisfy the Data Protection Act 2018.
Practices should follow good practice described in In the picture: A data protection code for surveillance cameras and personal information (Information Commissioner’s Office). The British Dental Association has also published advice on data protection issues including CCTV.