In this practice we take complaints very seriously and try to ensure that all our patients are pleased with their experience of our service. When patients complain, they are dealt with courteously and promptly so that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible. This procedure is based on these objectives.

1. Our aim is to react to complaints in the way in which we would want our complaint about a service to be handled. We learn from every mistake that we make and we respond to our customers’ concerns in a caring and sensitive way.
   The person responsible for dealing with any complaints about the service which we provide is the Practice Manager.
2. If a patient complains on the telephone or at the reception desk, we will listen to their complaint and offer to refer him or her to the Practice Manager. The member of staff will take brief details of the complaint and pass them on to the Practice Manager. If necessary we may ask you to put your complaint in writing.
3. If the patient complains in writing the letter or email will be passed on to the Practice Manager.
4. If a complaint is about any aspect of clinical care or associated charges it will normally be referred to the dentist, unless the patient does not want this to happen.
5. We will acknowledge the patient’s complaint in writing normally within 3 working days.
6. We will seek to investigate the complaint within 15 working days of receipt to give an explanation of the circumstances which led to the complaint. If we are unable to investigate the complaint within 15 working days we will notify the patient, giving the reason for the delay and a likely period within which the investigation will be completed.
7. When we have completed our investigation, we will provide the patient with a full written report. The report 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.
8. Proper and comprehensive records are kept of any complaint received.
9. If patients are not satisfied with the result of our procedure then a complaint may be made to :
   The Dental Complaints Service, The Lansdowne Building,2 Lansdowne Road, Croydon, Greater London CR9 2ER (TELEPHONE:08456 120 540) for complaints about private treatment.
   The General Dental Council (http:/www.gdc-uk.org) 37 Wimpole Street, LondonWIM 8DQ (telephone:08452224141) the dentist’s regulatory body for complaints about professional misconduct.
10. If you wish to make an NHS complaint please email www.Sussex.ICS.nhs.uk