Cookie Policy
What a cookie is and why your consent is needed
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, what types of cookies and similar technologies are used on the website published by Dr. Ana-Maria Spiridon, dentist, for what purpose and for how long, as well as how you can express, change or withdraw your options. The policy applies together with the Privacy Policy, of which it forms an integral part.
A cookie is a small text file that a website saves in your browser or on your device (computer, phone, tablet) when you visit it. On subsequent visits, the cookie can be read by the website, which allows, for example, the retention of preferences, the proper functioning of the pages or, with your consent, the measurement of how the website is used.
In addition to cookies, similar technologies are also used that store or access information on your terminal device, such as browser storage (localStorage and sessionStorage). In this policy, the term "cookies" covers, for simplicity, all these similar technologies.
Cookies may be "session" cookies (deleted automatically when the browser is closed) or "persistent" cookies (stored for a determined period or until you delete them manually). They may also be "own" cookies (set by this website) or "third-party" cookies (set by other providers whose services are integrated into the website, such as Google).
The installation of cookies and similar technologies that are not strictly necessary is carried out only with your prior consent, under Art. 4(5) of Legea nr. 506/2004, read together with Art. 6(1)(a) and Art. 7 of the GDPR. Strictly necessary cookies are exempt from the consent requirement, in accordance with Art. 4(6) of Legea nr. 506/2004.
What cookies are used
The table below presents the cookies and similar technologies used on the website, grouped by category.
• Strictly necessary: enable the basic functioning and security of the website. Without them, the website cannot function properly. They are exempt from the consent requirement.
• Analytics: help in understanding, in a statistical and aggregated manner, how the website is used, in order to improve it. They are provided through Google Analytics 4 and are activated only with your consent.
• Functional: enable additional functions (for example, displaying the Google Maps map). Where they involve non-essential third parties, they are activated only with your consent.
This website does not currently use marketing or behavioural advertising cookies (Google Ads / DoubleClick). If this situation changes, the policy will be updated.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cookie-consent (localStorage) | Dr. Ana-Maria Spiridon's website (own) | Stores your cookie options and the policy version, so as not to request your consent again at each visit | Persistent, until deleted or until a major change to the policy | Strictly necessary |
| Session cookie / form protection (CSRF token), where applicable | Dr. Ana-Maria Spiridon's website (own) | Ensures the functioning and security of form submissions (contact, appointment request) | Session | Strictly necessary |
| Local storage of form data and the chat conversation (sessionStorage) | Dr. Ana-Maria Spiridon's website (own) | Temporarily saves, only in your browser, the data entered in forms and the messages in the virtual assistant; not transmitted via cookies | Session | Strictly necessary / Functional |
| _ga | Google (Google Analytics 4) | Distinguishes unique users and measures how the website is used, for statistical purposes | 2 years | Analytics |
| _ga_<Property ID> | Google (Google Analytics 4) | Maintains the session state for the GA4 property | 2 years | Analytics |
| NID, CONSENT | Google (Google Maps) | Display of the interactive map with the address of DentaField Clinic — the map loads for all visitors, regardless of their cookie options | NID ~6 months; CONSENT up to ~2 years | Functional (third-party, not conditional on consent) |
Third-party cookies and prior consent
Google Analytics 4 is a service provided by a third party (Google) and is not strictly necessary for the functioning of the website. It is therefore loaded only on the basis of your prior consent.
Before consent is given, Google Analytics 4 does not write cookies and does not place identifiers on your terminal device. The Google Consent Mode v2 mechanism is used, configured by default to "denied" for the analytics storage categories. Thus, until you give your consent, the analytics cookies are not set.
The Google Maps map may set cookies (for example, NID and CONSENT). So that the address at which consultations are provided is permanently visible, the Google Maps map loads for all visitors, regardless of the options expressed on cookies. This is a transparently assumed decision, distinct from the treatment of the analytics cookies.
The use of Google services may involve transfers of data outside the European Economic Area, governed by Google's policies and safeguards. Further details can be found in the Privacy Policy.
The consent banner and managing your options
On your first visit (and whenever the policy changes materially), a consent banner is displayed through which you can choose which categories of cookies you accept. The banner observes the following principles:
• The "Reject all" option is just as visible and accessible as "Accept all", being available from the first level of the banner.
• No pre-ticked boxes are used: the non-essential categories (analytics) are disabled by default.
• Access to the website is not conditional on accepting cookies (no "cookie wall") and no dark patterns are used.
• You can give your consent in a granular manner, by category, through the "Customise" section.
• Consent can be withdrawn or changed at any time from the "Cookie settings" link in the website footer [Art. 7(3) GDPR].
Managing cookies from the browser
Independently of the banner displayed on the website, you can control and delete cookies directly from your browser settings. Blocking strictly necessary cookies may affect the proper functioning of the website.
Official instructions for common browsers:
• Google Chrome: Settings -> Privacy and security -> Cookies and other site data.
• Mozilla Firefox: Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Cookies and Site Data.
• Safari (macOS/iOS): Preferences/Settings -> Privacy -> Manage website data.
• Microsoft Edge: Settings -> Cookies and site permissions -> Manage and delete cookies.
For behavioural advertising cookies you can also use the dedicated European tool: www.youronlinechoices.com.
The controller, your rights and proof of consent
The controller of the processing described in this policy is Dr. Ana-Maria Spiridon, dentist, as the publisher of this website. Contact details: contact@dranamariaspiridon.com.
To the extent that cookies process personal data, you have the rights provided by the GDPR: the right of access, rectification, erasure, restriction, objection, portability and withdrawal of consent. Full details can be found in the Privacy Policy.
The consent management mechanism used on the website records and keeps proof of your options on cookies (the moment they were expressed, the categories accepted or refused), as evidence of consent within the meaning of Art. 7(1) GDPR.