Patient confidentiality.
Protected at every stage.
Dental practices and GP surgeries handle some of the most sensitive personal data in existence — patient health records, prescription forms, referral letters and clinical notes. GDPR and CQC requirements mean secure document disposal is not optional. We make it simple, reliable and fully documented.
CQC expects a documented procedure for secure disposal of patient data.
Certificates of destruction demonstrate your procedure is actually followed.
Documents must be stored securely between creation and disposal.
Why dental and GP practices have specific document disposal requirements.
Patient health data is classified as a special category of personal data under UK GDPR — the highest level of protection. This means the obligations around its disposal are more stringent than for ordinary personal data. A GP practice or dental surgery that disposes of patient records insecurely is not simply in breach of GDPR — it is potentially in breach of common law patient confidentiality, the NHS Code of Confidentiality, and CQC registration requirements.
The Care Quality Commission inspects practices against the Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs), which include whether the practice has effective systems to protect confidential information. Inspectors expect to see a written policy for document disposal, evidence that the policy is followed, and documentation confirming secure destruction. A certificate of destruction from a certified provider satisfies this evidence requirement directly.
For private dental practices and independent GP services, the same principles apply under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, regardless of whether the practice is NHS-contracted or private.
Patient health data is special category data requiring the highest level of security at all stages, including at the point of disposal.
CQC inspectors expect documented evidence that confidential patient information is disposed of securely. Certificates of destruction satisfy this requirement.
Sets mandatory retention periods for NHS records and requires that records are destroyed securely once the retention period is met, with destruction documented.
The British Dental Association and General Dental Council both require that patient information is handled confidentially throughout its lifecycle, including at disposal.
All clinical and administrative documents accepted.
All paper-based patient and administrative documents accepted. Specialist destruction available for X-ray film and medical imaging.
Clinical notes, consultation records, examination findings and medical histories at end of retention period.
FP10 prescriptions, repeat prescription requests, medication review forms and prescribing records.
Referral correspondence to consultants, specialists and hospitals containing patient personal and clinical data.
Patient dental charts, treatment records, consent forms and clinical photographs at end of retention period.
Blood test results, pathology reports, imaging reports and clinical investigation results.
Patient consent forms for treatment, procedures, data sharing and research participation.
Dental X-rays, medical imaging film and radiographic records. Specialist destruction at £6/kg (min 5kg).
Patient registration forms, GMS1 forms, address details and administrative patient records.
Specialist destruction
X-ray film & medical imaging destruction.
Dental X-rays and medical imaging film require specialist destruction — they cannot simply be shredded with paper. We provide certified destruction of X-ray film and medical imaging at a fixed per-kilogram rate, with a certificate of destruction issued per job.
Request a quoteMinimum 5kg · Certificate of destruction issued per job · Available across Dorset, Hampshire & Wiltshire
How long should a GP or dental practice keep patient records?
Retention periods are set by the NHS Records Management Code of Practice. These are minimum periods — records should not be destroyed before the retention period is met.
| Record type | Minimum retention | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Adult patient records (GP) | 8 years After last treatment or death | NHS Records Management Code |
| Children's patient records | Until patient's 25th birthday Or 26th if treated at 17 | NHS Records Management Code |
| Mental health records | 20 years After last contact or 8 years after death | NHS Records Management Code |
| Dental records (adult) | 11 years After last treatment | BDA guidance |
| Dental records (children) | Until patient's 25th birthday Or 11 years if longer | BDA guidance |
| Prescription records | 8 years From date of prescription | NHS Records Management Code |
| X-rays / radiographic images | 8 years (adult) Until 25th birthday for children | NHS Records Management Code |
This table is for general guidance. Always refer to the NHS Records Management Code of Practice and your organisation's own retention schedule.
Fixed prices. No surprises.
All plans include free sacks or lockable bin, certificate of destruction after every collection and secure transport. No hidden fees.
Serving GP and dental practices across three counties.
Trusted by practices across the region.
"Professional and reliable. The certificate of destruction is exactly what we need for our CQC records — issued automatically after every collection. Highly recommend to any practice."
"Completely reliable collections, transparent pricing and no hidden fees. The documentation is exactly right for our compliance records. Would recommend to any GP or dental practice."
Practice shredding FAQs
Get a quote for your dental or GP practice.
We work with GP surgeries and dental practices across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. Tell us your requirements and we'll confirm a price the same day.
89 Commercial Road, Bournemouth, England, BH2 5RR
Office@Clearcutconfidentialwaste.co.uk
01202 022409
© 2026 Clearcut Confidential Waste