Private Dentistry
Clinical treatment (82% of cases — dentures/implants/aligners/crowns), access to care (+384% 2024), costs/billing, behaviour, fitness to practise
Mandatory ADR
Max award: £No published cap
Uphold rate: 44% cases closed without action (2024)%
Key Legislation
Dentists Act 1984; Health and Social Care Act 2008; Consumer Rights Act 2015; GDC Standards for the Dental Team 2013
Companies in This Sector
Denplan (Cigna)Bupa Dental Care (~500 practices)mydentistPortman Dental CareRodericks Dental Partners~12000 private practices
Annual complaint volume: 4732
Note: DCS is mediation only — cannot impose financial remedies. Cases surging: +133% in one year (2024). High-value disputes (implants £3000-£15000; orthodontics £2000-£8000) need court navigation. GDC fitness-to-practise separate track.