Private dental complaints

Receiving more than 9,800 calls in 2013, the DCS has reduced the average time it takes to resolve a complaint from seven to 6.5 days. The DCS was launched in 2006 and helps patients and dental professionals resolve complaints about private dental care.  

Head of service at the DCS, Hazel Adams, said: 

"Our experience is that it's beneficial to both patients and dental professionals for complaints to be resolved promptly. With this in mind, we've worked hard over the past year to reduce the average complaint resolution time." 

The most common topics for complaints about treatment are crowns, dentures, fillings and braces.  

To facilitate the resolution of complaints in a timely manner, in 2013 the DCS introduced a 12 month time limit for reporting complaints. This change was made to help ensure that any concerns about private dental care are raised as soon as possible.  

For more information about the DCS, and to download the recently published DCS Annual Review, please visit www.dentalcomplaints.org.uk