Complaints Procedure

We take complaints very seriously and try to ensure that all our patients are pleased with their experience of our service.

When patients complain, they are dealt with courteously and promptly so that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible. This procedure is based on these objectives.

Our aim is to react to complaints in the way in which we would want our complaint about a service to be handled. We learn from every mistake that we make and we respond to customers’ concerns in a caring and sensitive way.

1. The person responsible for ensuring we stick to this policy following any complaint is receptionist, Ann Harrison/Pam Tipper
2. If a patient complains on the telephone or at the reception desk, we will listen to their complaint and offer to refer him or her to Ann or Peter Davis immediately.   If neither is available at the time, then the patient will be told when they will be able to discuss the matter and arrangements will be made for this to happen. The member of staff will take brief details of the complaint and pass them on.
3. If a complaint is in the form of a letter, then this will be dealt with by Ann and/or Peter.
4. If a complaint is about any aspect of clinical care or associated charges it will normally be referred to Peter, unless the patient does not want this to happen.
5. We will acknowledge the patient’s complaint in writing and enclose a copy of this code of practice as soon as possible, normally within three working days.  We will seek to investigate the complaint within ten working days of receipt to give an explanation of the circumstances which led to the complaint.  If the patient does not wish to meet us, then we will attempt to talk to them on the telephone.  If we are unable to investigate the complaint within ten working days we will notify the patient, giving reasons for the delay and a likely period within which the investigation will be completed.
6. We will confirm the decision about the complaint in writing immediately after completing our investigation.
7. Proper and comprehensive records are kept of any complaint received.

If patients are not satisfied with the result of our procedure, then a complaint may be made to: 

The Dental Complaints Service (020 8253 0800) Mon- Friday 9am – 5pm for complaints about private treatment

Email: info@dentalcomplaints.org.uk

The General Dental Council, 37 Wimpole Street, London, W1M 8DQ (the dentists’ registration body)