Dental Complaints

The first step in complaining about any poor treatment you received is to contact your dentist directly, and raise the matter either with your dentist or with the practice manager.

If the treatment you received was on the NHS the dentist should follow the NHS complaints procedure.

If you received private treatment then the practice should have its own complaints procedure, if you are unsatisfied with the outcome of this complaint the Dental Complaints Service can assist with resolving your complaint about private treatment.

You can also complain directly to your NHS dentist. Try and raise the matter either with your dentist or with the practice manager first. You can do this in writing, by email or over the phone. If you received NHS dental treatment, the dentist should follow the official NHS complaints procedure.

If you received private treatment, then the practice should have its own complaints procedure. Not sure where to complain if you do not wish to deal with your dentist directly? If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of this complaint, the Dental Complaints Service can assist with resolving your complaint about private treatment. They have a dedicated team of trained advisors who help private dental patients and dental professionals settle grievances regarding private dental care.

The Dental Complaints Service aim to help patients and even dental professionals settle complaints about dental care fairly and efficiently. The Dental Complaints Service are funded by the General Dental Council and they provide their services free to intervene issues between dental patients and professionals.

If you would prefer not to complain about your dental treatment directly to your dentist, you can contact NHS England to make an NHS dental complaint. If you remain unhappy with the response to your complaint you can refer the matter to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman by calling 0345 015 4033. The ombudsman works independently of the government and the NHS. Contact us for more advice.

The General Dental Council are the organisation which regulates dentists and other dental care professionals in the UK. This includes clinical dental technicians, orthodontists and dental therapists, in addition to dental hygienists and nurses.

All dentists and dental professionals in the UK must be registered with the GDC in order to work in the UK.The GDC will take action if a dental professional ability or behaviour means that it is not suitable for them to continue working.

Patients can also complain if they believe that their dentist is not registered; and therefore operating illegally.