Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 01-01-2026 | Last Updated: 03-05-2026

1. BINDING AGREEMENT
This Privacy Policy ("Policy") governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by the Dental Hygiene Practitioners of Ontario (DHPO). By accessing this Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree, you must cease use of this Site immediately.

2. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY & "AS IS" PROVISION
The DHPO provides this Site and its services on an "as is" and "as available" basis.

Security Disclaimer: While the DHPO employs physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard data, the transmission of information via the internet is not entirely secure. The DHPO does not warrant or guarantee that personal information will be immune from unauthorized access, loss, or theft.
No Liability for Data Breaches: To the maximum extent permitted by the laws of Ontario, the DHPO, its directors, officers, and employees shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any unauthorized access to or use of our secure servers and/or any personal or financial information stored therein.

3. INDEMNIFICATION
By using this Site, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the DHPO from and against any and all claims, damages, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Site or your breach of this Privacy Policy.

4. THIRD-PARTY LINKS & EXTERNAL SERVICES
This Site may contain links to external websites or third-party service providers.

No Endorsement: These links are provided as a convenience only. The DHPO does not monitor, endorse, or assume any liability for the privacy practices, content, or data handling of third-party organizations.
User Responsibility: You acknowledge that once you leave the DHPO Site, you are governed by the privacy policies of those third parties.

5. DATA COLLECTION & CROSS-BORDER STORAGE
The DHPO collects information voluntarily provided (e.g., membership applications, surveys, payment details).

Storage Location: Personal information may be stored or processed on servers hosted by third-party service providers. You acknowledge that your data may be processed in jurisdictions outside of Canada, where it may be subject to the laws of that jurisdiction, including access by foreign governmental authorities.

6. COOKIES AND ANALYTICS
The DHPO uses "cookies" and similar tracking technologies to monitor site performance and user preferences. Users may disable cookies through their browser settings; however, doing so may limit access to specific member-only features or portal functionality.

7. GOVERNING LAW & EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION
This Policy and any disputes arising out of the use of this Site shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. You hereby attorn to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Ontario, Canada.

8. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Privacy Policy is found to be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that provision shall be deemed severable from this Policy and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions.

9. AMENDMENTS
The DHPO reserves the right to amend this Policy at any time. Notice of changes will be posted on this page. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of such amendments.

CONTACT INFORMATION
For inquiries regarding this Policy, please contact the DHPO Privacy Officer at admin@dhpo.ca