DIR operates under Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval and in accordance with approved registry protocols and applicable governance requirements.   DIR is an observational registry initiative intended to support quality improvement, clinical knowledge, patient safety, and responsible long-term monitoring of dental implant treatment outcomes.   The Registry operates using an approved opt-out participation model. This approach has been considered appropriate for the Registry’s observational and quality assurance functions and supports more complete and representative registry data while preserving patient choice.   Patients are provided with information about the Registry and may choose not to participate.   Registry activities are conducted in accordance with approved ethical and governance processes, including considerations relating to:   patient privacy and confidentiality appropriate handling of identifiable and de-identified information governance review of data access and release ethical oversight of research activities where required ongoing review of registry operations and amendments management of conflicts of interest responsible use of registry information   DIR seeks to progressively align its operations with relevant ethical, privacy, governance, and registry frameworks applicable to registry activities in Australia as the Registry continues to mature.   These may include:   Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) requirements National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) Clinical Quality Registry Framework Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki   DIR is also listed on the Australian Register of Clinical Registries (ARCR).

DIR operates under a structured governance framework designed to support accountability, transparency, appropriate oversight, and responsible management of registry activities.   The governance framework supports:   ethical and lawful handling of information clear oversight and decision-making processes responsible use of registry data patient-centred governance scientific and clinical integrity proportional and risk-based governance privacy and security oversight conflict of interest management operational accountability and audit readiness appropriate independence between governance oversight, operational delivery, funding relationships, scientific review, and decision-making processes   Registry governance activities may involve registry leadership, governance reviewers, advisory groups, scientific contributors, clinicians, consumers, and subject matter experts as appropriate.   DIR seeks to ensure that governance review and decision-making processes retain sufficient independent and non-conflicted participation appropriate to the nature and risk of the matter under consideration.   DIR also operates within broader organisational and corporate governance arrangements, with certain matters subject to escalation, oversight, or approval through the DIR Board and associated governance processes where applicable.   Governance arrangements may continue to evolve as registry activities expand and mature.

Access to registry information is restricted and managed in accordance with applicable governance, privacy, security, and ethical requirements.   Registry information may only be accessed by authorised personnel or approved parties for permitted purposes and subject to appropriate governance review processes. Subject to applicable approvals, governance requirements, and permitted uses, registry information may support activities such as:   registry operations quality improvement activities approved research reporting and analysis safety monitoring health service evaluation public health or regulatory activities where appropriate Information used for reporting, analysis, or research will be de-identified or aggregated. DIR will not identify individual patients, practitioners, or participating sites in reports, publications, or approved research outputs unless identification is specifically authorised, approved, or required by law.   Data access requests may be subject to:   governance review ethics review where required confidentiality obligations data minimisation principles data sharing agreements privacy and security controls audit logging and recordkeeping requirements   DIR seeks to support responsible and appropriate use of registry information while protecting participant privacy and confidentiality.

DIR implements privacy, security, and access controls designed to support the secure handling of registry information.   Privacy and security measures may include:   role-based access controls restricted authorised access multi-factor authentication (MFA) secure cloud-hosted infrastructure audit logging and activity monitoring controlled data export and transfer processes authorised user confidentiality and access obligations governance controls relating to data access and release secure handling and storage of information   DIR seeks to maintain technical, operational, and governance safeguards proportionate to registry activities and applicable legal and ethical obligations.   Further information is available in the DIR Privacy Policy.

DIR recognises the importance of transparency, accountability, and appropriate management of conflicts of interest.   Registry leadership, advisors, committee members, contributors, and participating stakeholders may be required to disclose actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest relevant to registry activities.   Conflicts of interest may arise from funding arrangements, sponsor relationships, platform provision, participating clinical activities, advisory roles, research involvement, commercial relationships, or other operational associations. These interests should be appropriately disclosed and managed proportionate to the nature of the activity and associated risk.   Where appropriate, conflict management processes may include:   disclosure requirements governance review recusal from discussions or decisions restricted access to information independent review pathways documented management processes   DIR may seek independent external advice or review for higher-risk, sensitive, novel, or materially conflicted matters where additional expertise or independent assessment is considered appropriate.   Where recusal occurs, the governance record should document the nature of the recusal and whether the individual was absent from discussion, recommendation, review, or decision-making activities relating to that matter.   DIR seeks to support governance processes that are transparent, proportionate, and appropriately independent. Governance decisions should not be controlled by any single sponsor, operational provider, manufacturer, participating site, or conflicted individual.

DIR may utilise governance committees, advisory groups, reviewers, and subject matter experts to support oversight of registry activities.   The Steering Committee is the primary advisory and oversight governance body within DIR’s governance structure.   Governance and advisory groups may contribute to areas including:   governance oversight scientific and research review data governance stakeholder engagement clinical expertise consumer perspectives strategic direction Australia and New Zealand jurisdictional input   DIR seeks to maintain governance processes that are appropriately transparent, documented, auditable, and capable of supporting external review where required.   External collaborations, data sharing activities, and research partnerships should operate under appropriate governance, confidentiality, privacy, ethics, and approval arrangements proportionate to the nature of the activity.   The Registry may continue to develop and refine governance and advisory structures as registry operations expand.

Participation in the Registry is voluntary.   Patients may:   access information about the Registry ask questions about participation request further information regarding privacy and data handling choose not to participate where applicable raise concerns or complaints relating to Registry participation   Questions regarding DIR may be directed to the Registry team using the contact information provided on this website.   DIR maintains processes for the management and escalation of relevant complaints, privacy concerns, incidents, and governance matters in accordance with applicable governance and ethics requirements.   Questions relating to ethical concerns or participant rights may also be directed to the reviewing Human Research Ethics Committee where appropriate.