Raising a concern
If you are unhappy with your experience for any reason, you can raise a concern or make a complaint. There are different ways of doing this which depend on issues such as whether your care was provided under the NHS or privately.
Who can help?
- In-house complaints procedure. We require all dental practices to have their own query or complaints procedure and most issues can usually be dealt with in this way. Speak to them first to see if you can settle the problem.
- NHS complaints procedure. If you received NHS treatment, you can contact the NHS to make a complaint and find advice.
- Private dental treatment. The Dental Complaints Service can help you and the dental professional put things right by working with you both to sort out the complaint. You can contact them on 08456 120540 or complete their online form.
What can the GDC do?
We take action when a dental professional's ability, behaviour or health means it is not suitable for them to continue working as a dental professional. If the situation is serious enough we can limit or remove the dental professional's right to work in the UK.
We look carefully at every allegation we receive. The action we can take may range from an advice letter to removing or restricting the dental professional's registration. However, we cannot award compensation: only the courts can do that.
Other organisations which might be able to help
The Health and Safety Executive provides information about managing the risks in health and social care that can affect employees and users of these services.
Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England which registers all providers of dental treatment in England
Health Improvement Scotland has responsibility for the regulation of independent healthcare services in Scotland, previously the responsibility of the Care Commission.
You may also wish to refer to our
links page which lists other organisations professional bodies and patient groups.