The Dental Complaints Service (DCS) was established in 2006 to provide a free and fair mechanism for resolving patient complaints about private dental care. Before the DCS was created, private patients in the UK did not have access to the protections provided by NHS complaints systems.
The General Dental Council (GDC) established and funds the DCS. The GDC is the regulator of UK dental professionals, responsible for promoting patient safety and maintaining public confidence in the profession. Its role includes investigating public protection concerns about registered dental professionals.
We operate independently from the GDC, although we are supported by and accountable to the regulator. Our staff are employed by the GDC. We provide the GDC with regular updates on our activities and performance, and our financial details are set out in the GDC Annual Report and Accounts.
Like any other body that receives complaints about dental professionals, the DCS is expected to be alert to any serious risks to public safety or confidence, and to report any serious concerns about a registered dental professional’s fitness to practise dentistry to the attention of the GDC.