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Privacy Policy

Last updated: 12 July 2026

This policy explains how freedentalcpd.com ("Free Dental CPD", "we", "us" or "the site") handles information. The site is operated as a free directory of third-party dental CPD and CE courses. We aim to collect only the information needed to operate, secure and improve the service.

Information you provide

Mailing list. If you subscribe for course updates, we store your email address, subscription date and limited anti-abuse information associated with the request. We use it only to send the updates you requested and to administer the list. Every marketing email includes an unsubscribe option.

Contact, correction and sponsorship forms. When you send a form, we receive the details you enter, such as your name, email address, organisation, message and any course URL you report. We use this information to answer the request, correct the directory, assess a proposed listing or discuss sponsorship.

Information collected when you use the site

Server and security records. Our host and security controls may process IP addresses, request times, browser information and requested URLs to deliver the site, prevent abuse and diagnose faults. Short-lived rate-limit records may be created to protect public forms and administration tools.

First-party analytics. The site records events such as page views, searches, filter use, course impressions, outbound course clicks, favourites, tracker actions, newsletter signups and sponsor-interest clicks. A random visitor identifier is stored in your browser's local storage and a session identifier in session storage. Event records can include the page URL, referring page, language, time zone, screen and viewport sizes, browser user agent and event details. The collector is designed not to write raw IP addresses to analytics logs; an optional daily rotating IP hash may be used for abuse prevention and deduplication.

Google Analytics. We may also use Google Analytics 4 to understand aggregated traffic and site performance. Google Analytics can process device, browser, approximate location and usage information in accordance with Google's own terms and privacy documentation.

Browser storage used by site tools

The directory, favourites, CPD tracker and planner use local or session storage so that choices can remain on your device. This can include saved courses, completed-course records, planner priorities, filters and anonymous analytics identifiers. Clearing site data in your browser removes this locally stored information. See the Cookie and Local Storage Policy for a fuller description.

CPD Tracker sync (optional server backup)

The CPD Tracker works in your browser by default, storing your record in that browser's local storage. If you choose to turn on tracker sync, a copy of your tracker record is also stored on the FreeDentalCPD server so it can be backed up and shared across your devices. Sync is optional — the tracker is fully usable without it — but while sync is enabled the tracker is not exclusively browser-based.

What is stored on the server: the contents of your tracker record — your tracker profile (such as your name or role, CPD cycle settings and targets, if you have entered them) and your CPD entries (course or activity names, providers, hours, dates and any notes you record). The record is stored against a one-way cryptographic hash of your email address; the email address itself is not stored in the record or its filename.

Why we process your email address: solely to send you the sync link and to derive the identifier under which your record is stored. The emailed link contains a signed access token — whoever has that link can view and change your synced record, so treat the email like a key: do not forward or share it. Links remain valid for 180 days; after that, request a fresh link from the tracker.

Retention: your synced record is kept until you delete it (or until you ask us to). Each save replaces the previous server copy; we do not keep historical versions.

Deleting and unlinking are different things. "Unlink this device" (in the tracker's sync menu) only makes one browser forget its sync credentials — the server backup remains, and other linked devices keep syncing. "Delete server backup" (also in the sync menu) permanently erases the copy held on our server for your address; your local browser copy is unaffected. You can also email us from the address concerned and we will delete the record. Note that clearing your browser's storage removes only the local copy — it does not delete a server backup that sync previously created.

Advertising and Google AdSense

We use Google AdSense and may use other clearly identified advertising or affiliate services to fund the site. Third parties, including Google, may place or read cookies, use web beacons, or process IP addresses and device information as a result of ad serving.

Where a consent message is enabled or legally required, choices about advertising cookies and ads personalisation are requested through a Google-certified consent management platform. Consent settings can be revisited through the privacy controls presented by that platform.

External course providers

Course links lead to websites operated by universities, professional bodies, manufacturers and education platforms. Those organisations control their own registration, cookies, analytics and privacy practices. Review the provider's terms and privacy policy before creating an account or supplying personal information.

How information is used

We use information to operate and secure the site, provide requested emails or replies, maintain the course catalogue, understand which resources are useful, measure advertising or sponsorship performance, investigate errors and comply with legal obligations. We do not sell mailing-list details or contact-form information.

Retention and security

Information is retained only for as long as it is reasonably needed for the purpose for which it was collected, including security, record-keeping and legal requirements. Access to administrative data is restricted, and private records are intended to be stored outside the public web directory where hosting permits. No Internet service can guarantee absolute security.

Your choices and requests

You can unsubscribe from emails, clear local storage and cookies in your browser, use the choices offered by the consent platform, and manage personalised ads through Google. You may ask what personal information we hold about you, request correction or deletion where applicable, or raise a privacy concern by emailing contact@freedentalcpd.com.

Children

The site is intended for dental professionals, students and adult members of the dental team. It is not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect their personal information.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy as the site, advertising services or legal requirements change. The date at the top identifies the latest revision.

See our Cookie and Local Storage Policy, Advertising Disclosure, Editorial Policy and Website Terms.