If the problem is so serious that you think the care provided at the practice could be a risk to other patients, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) would like to know about it. It does not resolve complaints or award compensation. The GDC does not get involved in complaints being managed locally. If the issue is serious enough, the GDC can stop individual dentists from practising. If the problem is so serious that you think the dental professional could be a risk to other patients, you should contact the General Dental Council (GDC), which regulates dental professionals in the UK. Safety concerns about a dentist or practice The DCS provides a free and impartial service to help private dental patients and dental professionals settle complaints about private dental care fairly and efficiently. If you have already made a formal approach to the practice and the problem has not been resolved, you can contact the Dental Complaints Service (DCS). If you had private dental treatment and an informal approach does not solve the problem, ask for a copy of the complaints procedure.Īny private dental practice must have one. Complaints about private dental treatments The Ombudsman makes the final decision on complaints that have not been resolved by the NHS in England.įind out more about the NHS complaints procedure. If you're not happy with the way your formal complaint was handled – either by the dental practice or NHS England, if you chose to go to them – you can go to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). NHS England is responsible for commissioning (buying) NHS dental services. If you'd rather not go directly to the practice, you can contact NHS England instead. If you'd like support to make a complaint, you can get help from an NHS Complaints Advocate.Ĭontact your local Healthwatch to find out who provides Independent Health Complaints Advocacy in your local area. If you need to make a more formal complaint to the practice, ask for a copy of the policy that explains what you need to do. They may be able to sort out the problem there and then. If you're not happy with the treatment or service you have had, it's usually best to tell the practice directly that you're unhappy and give them a chance to put things right. Sometimes a proposed treatment can change on further investigation or as a result of changes in your oral health after the initial assessment.Īny changes to treatment should be discussed and agreed with you. Likewise, the dentist should inform you of any changes to the treatment plan. Inform your dentist if you decide not to proceed with a certain treatment option. Treatment plans are usually not given for Band 1 or urgent dental treatments, but you can ask for one if you like. Your treatment plan sets out the proposed dental treatment and associated costs. Your dentist has to provide you with a written treatment plan for Band 2, Band 3 or a mix of NHS and private treatments. You should feel properly informed before any treatment is undertaken, including about the clinical risks and benefits. You'll be asked to sign the plan and be given a copy to keep.Īsk the dentist to explain in more detail the reason behind the treatment options being proposed. If you decide to choose alternative private options, this should be included in your treatment plan. Your dentist must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided on a private basis, and the costs associated for each. The NHS will provide any clinically necessary treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain.ĭecisions about which treatment is appropriate will be based on a clinical assessment and clinical judgement.
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