The names of dentists have been deliberately changed for privacy, except where publicly available on the GDC register.
The Hidden Scale of Complaints Against Dentists
Discover how many complaints are made against dentists each year, what shocking cases the GDC has reported, and why patients must check the GDC register for restrictions. Learn about systemic failures in dental regulation and how to protect yourself.
📊 How Many Complaints Are Made Against Dentists Each Year?
- In 2023–24, the Dental Complaints Service (DCS) opened over 1,000 new cases, nearly double the previous year.
- Complaints about private dentistry rose 133% in one year, with failed treatment the most common issue.
- Fitness to Practise referrals (serious cases escalated to the General Dental Council, GDC) increased by 293%, yet only a fraction led to dentists being struck off.
⚖️ Complaints Compared Across Professions
Dentistry generates thousands of complaints annually, but other professions also face high volumes:
| Profession | Annual Complaints (Recent Data) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dentists (GDC/DCS) | 1,000+ new cases in 2024 | Complaints about private dentistry rose 133% in one year. |
| Doctors (GMC) | 7,577 complaints in 2017 | Complaints rose 14% year‑on‑year; many were raised by employers. |
| Nurses & Midwives (NMC) | 5,774 concerns in 2023–24 | Complaints rose 14% year‑on‑year; many raised by employers. |
Dentists are not the most complained‑about professionals in raw numbers, but relative to workforce size, complaint rates are proportionally high.
😮 Examples of Serious Complaints
The GDC’s published hearing outcomes show that complaints are not limited to minor disputes. Documented cases have included:
- Physical aggression towards patients or colleagues
- Fraudulent activity, such as falsifying records or misusing patient funds
- Dishonesty in practice, including charging for work not carried out
- Clinical negligence, leaving patients in pain or with permanent damage
🔎 Case Study: Dr Isaac Hewett
Dr Isaac Hewett is publicly listed on the GDC register as practising under restrictions. His case has been raised in petitions and correspondence with regulators, where patients reported harm. Despite this, he continues to practise dentistry.
This illustrates a wider systemic issue:
- Restrictions are imposed instead of suspension
- Patients are not automatically told when their dentist is restricted
- Even with multiple complaints, dentists often remain in practice
🏛️ Systemic Failures in Dental Regulation
The rising number of complaints highlights deeper structural problems:
- Restrictions over removal: proven misconduct often results in conditions rather than erasure
- Slow investigations: hearings can take years, leaving patients exposed
- Transparency gaps: outcomes are published, but difficult for the public to navigate
- Weak accountability: even in cases involving fraud or violence, erasure is rare
One of the most important steps patients can take is to check the General Dental Council (GDC) online register.
Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Go to the GDC website – www.gdc-uk.org
- Search for your dentist’s name or registration number
- Review their status – see if they are restricted, suspended, or fully registered
- Check regularly – restrictions can change over time
Dentists are not required to tell patients directly if they are restricted. It is therefore up to patients themselves to look up their dentist’s status.
📢 Disclaimer
This blog is based on official reports from the General Dental Council (GDC), Dental Complaints Service (DCS), General Medical Council (GMC), and Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Names of dentists have been deliberately changed by Kind Health Hub for privacy, except where publicly available on the GDC register. This blog does not make new allegations beyond verified facts.
