If you are unhappy with your dental treatment, it’s important to know that you have the right to raise a concern and be heard.

Most problems can be sorted out by talking things through early.

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First steps: speak to the dental practice

The first thing to do is contact the dental practice directly.

You can do this by:

• Phone.
• Email.
• Letter.

You can:

• Speak to your dentist or the practice manager.
• Ask for the practice’s formal complaints procedure. All NHS practices must have one.
• Explain clearly what you are unhappy about.
• Say what outcome you are hoping for (for example, an explanation, apology or refund).

Many concerns can be resolved at this stage.

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Complaints about NHS dental treatment

If your treatment was provided under the NHS and the issue is not resolved by the practice, you can contact the organisation responsible for NHS dental services in your area.

Complaints should normally be made within 12 months of the treatment or when you first became aware of the problem.

England

• If you do not feel comfortable complaining to the practice, or the issue is not resolved, contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB).
• ICBs are responsible for planning and buying NHS dental services in England.

If you are still unhappy after this, you can contact the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO).
Telephone: 0345 015 4033

The Ombudsman is independent and can review how your complaint was handled.

Wales

• If the practice does not resolve your complaint, contact your local Local Health Board (LHB).

If you remain unhappy, you can contact the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, who independently reviews complaints about NHS services.

Scotland

• You can find information about how to complain through NHS inform.
• If the practice does not resolve the issue, your local NHS Board can review the complaint.

If you are still unhappy, you can contact the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

Northern Ireland

• If the practice does not resolve your complaint, contact your local Health and Social Care (HSC) organisation.

If you remain unhappy, you can contact the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.

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Complaints about private dental treatment

If your treatment was private:

• Contact the practice manager first.
• Make your complaint within 12 months of the treatment.

If the issue is not resolved, you can contact the Dental Complaints Service (DCS) by callling 020 8253 0800 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).

The Dental Complaints Service helps settle complaints about private dental care.

You can also contact the General Dental Council (GDC).

The GDC regulates dental professionals. They can investigate concerns about a dental professional’s behaviour or fitness to practise. They do not settle compensation claims.

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Other sources of help and advice

You may also find support from:

• Healthwatch (England) – independent health complaints advocacy.
• Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) – if treatment was carried out in a hospital.
• Citizens Advice – for free and independent guidance.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) (England) – they inspect dental services. They do not resolve individual complaints, but your feedback helps them monitor services.

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Remember

Raising a concern does not mean you are being difficult.

Most dental teams want to put things right and learn from feedback.

If you are unsure what to do next, independent advice services can help guide you through the process.

Last reviewed: April 2026