Complaining about NHS dental treatment
If you wish to make a complaint about a dentist or dental practice, try to resolve it directly with them first. Contact the dental surgery's practice manager with details of your complaint. You can complain in writing, by email or by speaking to someone.
Your complaint must be made within 12 months of receiving treatment.
If you would rather not go directly to the practice, you can contact your local integrated care board (ICB), which is responsible for NHS dental services.
If you're not happy with the way your complaint was handled – either by the dental practice or the ICB – you may wish to contact the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO).
The PHSO makes final decisions on unresolved complaints about the NHS in England. You can call on 0345 015 4033 or use the PHSO's online complaint form to raise your complaint (this only applies to NHS services in England).
You can find further information and support for making a complaint from:
- a hospital's Patient Advice and Liaison Service, if your treatment was carried out in a hospital
- Citizens Advice
- the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – the CQC does not settle individual disputes, but your feedback about a practice helps it to decide when, where and what to inspect
Complaining about private dental treatment
If you wish to make a complaint about private dental services, contact the practice manager of the private dental surgery. Your complaint must be made within 12 months of receiving treatment.
If your complaint is not resolved satisfactorily by the practice manager, you can contact the Dental Complaints Service (DCS). The DCS offers a mediation service between private dental patients and dental professionals. You can contact them on 020 8253 0800 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or visit their website for more information.
If you have a serious concern about your dental professional's fitness to practise, you may want to raise your concerns with the General Dental Council (GDC). The GDC sets standards of conduct and regulates all dental professionals in the UK. They may be able to investigate your concerns.