If you had private dental treatment
The quickest and simplest way to resolve the problem is to contact the practice, who may be able to sort it out there and then.
If an informal approach doesn’t solve the problem, ask for a copy of the complaints procedure. Any private dental practice must have one.
If you have already made a formal approach to the practice, and the problem has not been resolved, you can contact the Dental Complaints Service (DCS).
The DCS provides a free and impartial service to help private dental patients and dental professionals to settle complaints about private dental care fairly and efficiently.
The DCS can deal with your complaint if you would like an apology, a refund or a contribution to the cost of further treatment. They cannot deal with claims for compensation or with complaints about dental plans.
If your private treatment was through a dental plan, you should contact your plan provider, as they will have a complaints process.
If you have safety concerns about a dentist or practice
If the problem is so serious that you think the dental professional could be a risk to other patients, you should contact the General Dental Council (GDC), which regulates dental professionals in the UK. If the issue is serious enough, the GDC can stop individual dentists from practising. The GDC does not get involved in complaints that are being managed locally. It does not resolve complaints or award compensation.
If the problem is so serious that you think the care provided at the practice could be a risk to other patients, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) would like to know about it. CQC cannot investigate individual complaints, but its inspectors use information when they inspect services to make sure that they are meeting quality and safety standards.
Where to get help with your complaint
Citizens Advice also provides information and advice about making complaints.
