GDC responds to the Which? report ‘Consumer harm and complaints experience in private dentistry’

A spokesperson for the General Dental Council (GDC) said:

"Patients should be able to make a complaint about their dental care with confidence and have it dealt with fairly. Our standards are clear that dental professionals must have a clear and effective complaints procedure and respect a patient's right to complain.

"If something goes wrong, patients should raise it with their dental practice first. If it can't be resolved, private patients can contact the Dental Complaints Service and NHS patients the NHS. Our step-by-step guide sets out each route.

"Separately, anyone with a serious concern about a dental professional, whether their care was NHS or private, can raise it with the General Dental Council. We investigate concerns about the clinical practice, behaviour or health of dental professionals using our fitness to practise process, and we can take action to protect the public.

"We welcome this research from Which? and are always open to insights from organisations that share our aim of protecting patients and maintaining public confidence in dentistry."