Privacy Policy
Last updated: 20 October 2026
Who we are
This policy explains how the orthodontic practice of Dr Cyril Sher handles personal information through this website, practice enquiries and WhatsApp communications, including the Dr Sher Messaging app. The practice is responsible for its use of this information. For privacy enquiries, contact admin@drsher-orthodontist.co.za.
Information we collect
We collect information you give us when you contact the practice, such as your name, telephone number, email address, enquiry and appointment details. Where you contact us for a child or another patient, this may include your relationship to that person. Please provide only information needed for your enquiry.
For WhatsApp communications, information may include your WhatsApp name and number, messages and attachments you send, consent or opt-out preferences, timestamps, and message delivery or read status where available. Website services may also receive technical information such as an IP address, browser details and cookies.
Why we use information
We use information to respond to enquiries, arrange and manage appointments, provide relevant practice communications, record communication preferences, maintain our systems and meet applicable legal obligations. We rely on consent or another lawful basis appropriate to the purpose. Providing contact details for an enquiry does not by itself subscribe you to marketing. Optional promotional messages require the relevant permission, and you can withdraw it.
WhatsApp and Dr Sher Messaging
The practice uses the WhatsApp Business Platform provided by Meta/WhatsApp and WhatSend to manage its business messages. Dr Sher Messaging connects these services to the practice’s WhatsApp account. Messages sent to the practice may be accessed by authorised practice staff and authorised service-provider support personnel, and stored in the practice’s communication systems. This connection does not give the practice access to your unrelated WhatsApp conversations or your phone’s contact book.
WhatsApp/Meta also processes information under its own privacy policy. You can stop optional WhatsApp messages by replying STOP or by contacting the practice. You can also use WhatsApp’s block controls. Necessary appointment arrangements can be handled through another agreed channel.
Health and sensitive information
Please do not send full identity documents, payment-card or bank-account details, or detailed clinical records through website enquiries or WhatsApp. Contact the practice to arrange an appropriate channel for clinical information. If you choose to send sensitive information, it may be received and retained with your correspondence. These communication channels are not an emergency service.
Service providers and international processing
Information may be processed by providers needed to operate the website and practice communications, including hosting, email, technical support, WhatSend and Meta/WhatsApp. Access is for the relevant service or support purpose. Information may also be disclosed where required by law or necessary to protect legal rights. Some providers operate outside South Africa; cross-border processing is subject to applicable privacy-law requirements.
Security and retention
We take reasonable organisational and technical steps to protect information and limit access to authorised people who need it. No internet service can guarantee absolute security. We retain information for its stated purpose and any applicable professional, legal or record-keeping obligations. Retention periods depend on the record and its purpose. Information no longer needed is deleted or de-identified where appropriate; backup copies may remain until their normal replacement cycle.
Your privacy choices and deletion requests
Subject to applicable law, you may request access to your personal information, correction of inaccurate information, or deletion of information we are no longer entitled to retain. You may also object to certain processing or withdraw consent where processing relies on consent.
To request deletion of information associated with Dr Sher Messaging, WhatsApp or this website, email admin@drsher-orthodontist.co.za with the subject “Privacy request” and enough information to locate your records. We may need to verify your identity. Do not include unnecessary sensitive documents. If a record must be retained, we will explain the reason and any available restrictions on its use. You may raise a concern with South Africa’s Information Regulator.
Cookies and external content
Website functions and embedded third-party content, such as social-media or review feeds, may use cookies or similar technologies. External services apply their own privacy policies. You can manage cookies through your browser; disabling them may affect some website features.
Children and policy updates
A parent or authorised guardian should handle communications and permissions relating to a child. Please contact the practice if you believe a child’s information has been supplied without appropriate authority. We may update this policy when our services or requirements change. The date above identifies the latest version.