How to complain about your dentist

Speak to your dentist first

If you're unhappy with any dental treatment you've received, you should speak to your dentist or practice manager first.

If this doesn't resolve your complaint, write to the practice explaining the problem and what you want them to do – remember to keep a copy of all correspondence.

The next step is different for complaints about NHS dentists and private dentists.

Complain about an NHS dentist

Try speaking and writing to your practice before you take your complaint further

England - Contact your local Primary Care Trust (PCT) - To find your your PCT you can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit the NHS Direct website. 

Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) offer advice on complaining about NHS services – you can find your PALS by searching for a PCT on the NHS Direct website. PALS contact details will be near the bottom of the page. 

Wales - Contact your local Health Board or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47. 

Scotland - Contact your local Health Board  or NHS Helpline on 0800 22 44 88.

Northern Ireland - Contact the Health and Social Care Board at complaints.hscb@hscni.net or on 028 9032 1313.

Taking your complaint further

If you're not satisfied with the response you get, you can ask a Health Service Ombudsman to review your case.

• Write or call the English Health Service Ombudsman on 0345 015 4033.
• Write or call the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman on 0800 377 7330.
• Write or call the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales on 01656 641 150.
• Write or call the Northern Ireland Ombudsman on 0800 34 34 24.

You can find more information in our How to complain about NHS services guide.

Complain about a private dentist

If you aren't satisfied with the way a private practice has dealt with your complaint, you should contact the independent Dental Complaints Service. 

This service is run by the General Dental Council (GDC) which regulates and registers dentists and dental care professionals in the UK. It has the power to restrict or remove a dentist from the register if they fall far short of the GDC’s standards.

Contact the Dental Complaints Service

You can contact the Dental Complaints Service by phone on 08456 120 540, email them at info@dentalcomplaints.org.uk, or by post: The Dental Complaints Service, The Lansdowne Building, 2 Lansdowne Road, Croydon, CR9 2ER.