Complaints Procedure

Code of Practice for Patient Complaints

In this practice, we take complaints very seriously indeed 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.

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 customers’ concerns in a caring and sensitive way.

  1. The person responsible for dealing with any complaint about the service which we provide Dr Samuel Row, Complaints Manager/Principal Dentist.
  2. If a patient complains on the telephone or in person, we will listen to their complaint and offer to refer him or her to the Complaints Manager/Principal Dentist immediately. If the Complaints Manager/Principal Dentist is not available at the time, then the patient will be informed when they will be able to talk to the Complaints Manager/Principal Dentist and arrangements will be made for this to happen. The member of staff will take brief details of the complaint and pass them on to the Complaints Manager/Principal Dentist. If we cannot arrange this within a reasonable period or if the patient does not wish to wait to discuss the matter, arrangements will be made for someone else to deal with it.
  3. If the patient complains in writing or by email, it will be passed on immediately to the Complaints Manager/Principal Dentist, Dr Samuel Row.
  4. If a complaint is about any aspect of clinical care or associated charges it will normally be referred to the dentist concerned, unless the patient does not want this to happen.
  5. We will acknowledge the patient’s complaint in writing and enclose a copy of this code of practice within three working days.
  6. We will seek to investigate the complaint within ten working days of receipt to give an explanation of the circumstances which led to the complaint. If the patient does not wish to meet us, then we will attempt to talk to them on the telephone. If we are unable to investigate the complaint within ten working days we will notify the patient, giving reasons for the delay and a likely period within which the investigation will be completed.
  7. We will confirm the decision about the complaint in writing immediately after completing our investigation.
  8. Proper and comprehensive records are kept of any complaint received as well as any actions taken to improve services as a consequence of a complaint.
  9. If patients are not satisfied with the result of our procedure then a complaint may be made to:

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Millbank Tower, Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP. Telephone: 0345 015 4033 www.ombudsman.org.uk

The Dental Complaints Service, 37 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 8DQ. Telephone: 0208 253 0800 dcs.gdc-uk.org.

The General Dental Council, 37 Wimpole Street, London. W1N 8DQ. Telephone: 0845 222 4141, the dentists’ regulatory body for complaints about professional misconduct

Meet our highly skilled team

Dr Samuel Row

Principal Dentist | Implants | Cosmetic Dentistry | General Dentistry

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Dr Harriet Beaty

Principal Dentist | Periodontal Medicine | Functional Dentistry | General Dentistry

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Dr Jordan Heron

Associate Dentist

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Dr Joe Reid

Visiting Endodontist

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Sophie Murray

Practice Manager & Dental Nurse

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Sarah Zivers

Dental Nurse

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Emily Burnham

Dental Therapist

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Sally Thomas

Front of House: Receptionist

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Dr Samuel Row

Principal Dentist | Implants | Cosmetic Dentistry | General Dentistry

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Dr Harriet Beaty

Principal Dentist | Periodontal Medicine | Functional Dentistry | General Dentistry

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Dr Jordan Heron

Associate Dentist

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Dr Joe Reid

Visiting Endodontist

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Sophie Murray

Practice Manager & Dental Nurse

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Sarah Zivers

Dental Nurse

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Emily Burnham

Dental Therapist

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Sally Thomas

Front of House: Receptionist

LEARN MORE top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right dark green white plain arrow

Testimonials

Google Review
S
star

Steven M verified

I’ve been going to Gibside Dental for just over a year now and can honestly say it’s the best dental experience I’ve had. I’ve been going to Gibside Dental for just over a year now...

Read more

K
star

Kirsty B verified

The team are so welcoming and friendly. I was a little worried about dentist visits due to past experiences. However, Sam and Harriet are just fantastic! They put you at ease and chat to you...

Read more

M
star

Marylii verified

Needed an emergency appointment for braces, and this was the only place nearest Durham that took me in. Had to wait until Monday for an appointment, but they were so accommodating and got a hygienist...

Read more

D
star

Dien E verified

Couldn’t be happier. Extremely professional, while still warm and caring at the same time. They actually listen, take the time to explain things and go through everything thoroughly, not try to get your money and...

Read more

L
star

Louise C verified

Had my first visit today for a full MOT (with a follow-up hygiene appointment in a few days), it was wonderful to be greeted by Sally it was so welcoming, I was quickly seen by...

Read more

A
star

Anne W verified

I hadn’t been to a dentist for 7 years due to fear. Gibside Dental go above and beyond to put me at ease.

Read more

Google Review
S
star

Steven M verified

I’ve been going to Gibside Dental for just over a year now and can honestly say it’s the best...

Read more

K
star

Kirsty B verified

The team are so welcoming and friendly. I was a little worried about dentist visits due to past experiences....

Read more

M
star

Marylii verified

Needed an emergency appointment for braces, and this was the only place nearest Durham that took me in. Had...

Read more

D
star

Dien E verified

Couldn’t be happier. Extremely professional, while still warm and caring at the same time. They...

Read more

L
star

Louise C verified

Had my first visit today for a full MOT (with a follow-up hygiene appointment in a few days), it...

Read more

Google Review
S
star

Steven M verified

I’ve been going to Gibside Dental for just over a year now and can honestly say it’s the best dental experience I’ve had. I’ve...

Read more

K
star

Kirsty B verified

The team are so welcoming and friendly. I was a little worried about dentist visits due to past experiences. However, Sam and Harriet are...

Read more

M
star

Marylii verified

Needed an emergency appointment for braces, and this was the only place nearest Durham that took me in. Had to wait until Monday for...

Read more

D
star

Dien E verified

Couldn’t be happier. Extremely professional, while still warm and caring at the same time. They actually listen, take the time to explain things and...

Read more

L
star

Louise C verified

Had my first visit today for a full MOT (with a follow-up hygiene appointment in a few days), it was wonderful to be greeted...

Read more

View All Testimonials

Get in touch

Contact us

Opening Hours

Monday
8:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
8:00 - 20:00
Wednesday
8:00 - 20:00
Thursday
8:00 - 20:00
Friday
8:00 - 17:00
Saturday
8:00 - 13:00
Sunday
By appointment only
logo left bottom calc sinter plain shape

Follow us!

Stay connected with us for the latest updates and smiles - follow Gibside Dental on our social media platforms!

Instagram top right white salt scrub plain arrow top right white dark green plain arrow

Our partners

Google Rating
5.0
Google Rating
Google-review