How to make a complaint about a dentist

Step 1: Raise it with the practice first

Almost every dental complaint should start with the practice. Every UK dental practice must have a written complaints procedure and must give you a copy on request. Practices are required to acknowledge complaints quickly and to respond within a defined timeframe. Many issues — clinical disagreements, billing errors, communication problems — can be resolved at this level.

Step 2: NHS dentistry — escalate to NHS England

If the treatment was provided under the NHS and the practice has not resolved your concern, escalate to NHS England (in England) or the equivalent body in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman is the final stage for NHS complaints in England.

Step 3: Private dentistry — Dental Complaints Service

For private treatment in the UK that has not been resolved at practice level, you can take the complaint to the Dental Complaints Service (DCS), which is run by the GDC but operates independently for complaints handling. The DCS can mediate between you and the practice and can recommend remedies including refunds, fee adjustments, and corrective treatment.

Step 4: Refer to the GDC

If your concern is about the dentist's conduct, fitness to practise, or safety — rather than the quality of one course of treatment — you can refer them to the GDC. The GDC investigates concerns about: dishonesty, sexual misconduct, criminal convictions, serious or repeated clinical failings, and health problems that affect practice.

The GDC is the right route if you believe the dentist or dental care professional should not continue to practise. It is not the right route if your goal is simply to get a refund or a corrective filling — for those, the practice and the DCS are usually faster.

When to call 999

If you believe a dental professional poses an immediate risk to patients, call 999 and ask for the police. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates dental practices in England and can also be informed about serious safety concerns at practice level.