Complaints Procedure

Complaints Information

We want all our patients to be pleased with the service they receive, so we take complaints seriously. If a patient makes a complaint, we will deal with it promptly and courteously. Our aim is to resolve the matter as quickly as possible following the agreed procedure and, wherever possible, to the satisfaction of the patient.

A complaint may indicate a failing on our part, which we can learn from and make improvements to our service. We will adopt a ‘no blame’ approach when investigating a complaint and especially where individuals are identified, with the aim of reaching a satisfactory conclusion. We will, at all times, be polite and respectful to our patients.

The Practice Complaints Manager Katie Esposito is responsible for dealing with all complaints about our service.

If a patient makes a complaint in person or by telephone, the member of staff receiving the complaint makes an initial record of their concerns and checks this for accuracy with the patient. The patient is given a copy of the record and the original is passed to the Complaints Manager. If the Complaints Manager is available, the patient is asked whether they would like to see her immediately. Otherwise the patient is advised when the Complaints Manager will make contact to arrange a meeting in person or by telephone.

If the patient complains in writing or by e-mail, the complaint will be passed immediately to the Complaints Manager.

Complaints about clinical care or the amount charged for treatment will be referred to the dentist concerned, unless the patient requests otherwise.

All complaints are acknowledged in writing within two working days. When writing to the patient we will include:

• An acknowledgement of the complaint
• A copy of Our Complaints Code of Practice
• An invitation to the patient to meet with the Complaints Manager face to face to discuss the matter, should they wish
• A copy of the process we will follow in resolving the complaint and the anticipated timescales. The patient will be asked how they would like to be kept informed of developments – by letter, e-mail, telephone or face-to-face meetings.

We will investigate the complaint speedily and efficiently and, as far a reasonably practicable, will keep the patient informed of our progress. Investigations will normally be completed within ten working days.

On completion of our investigation, we will provide the patient with a full written report, which will include:

• an explanation of how the complaint has been considered
• the conclusions reached in respect of each specific part of the complaint
• details of any necessary remedial action and
• whether the practice is satisfied with any action it has already taken or will be taking as a result of the complaint

Proper and comprehensive records will kept of any complaint received as well as any actions taken to improve services as a consequence of a complaint.

If a patient is not satisfied with the result, then the complaint may be referred to:

• The Dental Complaints Service, The Lansdowne Building, 2 Lansdowne Road, Croydon, Greater London CR9 2ER, 08456 120 540 or www.dentalcomplaints.org.uk for complaints about private treatment.
• The General Dental Council, 37 Wimpole Street, London, W1M 8DQ the dentists’ registration body.