Delay in resolving complaints is worsening patient access to dentists

For dentists, it is upsetting to see the news that patients are struggling to access NHS dentistry (DIY dentistry on the rise as 90% of NHS practices not seeing new patients, 8 August).

Delays in dealing with disciplinary complaints involving dental professionals are not helping the situation. At the Dental Defence Union, we are aware of dental professionals who could be practising, but are snarled up in protracted investigations by their regulator, the General Dental Council (GDC). We have cases in which senior dentists have been suspended for over a year while little progress has been made in their case. This means dental professionals are unable to treat patients or may be working under restrictive conditions while waiting for their case to be resolved.

Despite repeated assurances, the GDC has yet to succeed in reducing these delays. This situation is stressful for our members and deprives patients of dental care. It is also a strain on the morale of the profession, at a time when the NHS needs to attract and retain as many dentists as possible.
John Makin
Head, Dental Defence Union

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