Dentistry is a complex and multi-faceted profession, requiring professionals to acquire a broad range of skills and capabilities. The general dental practitioner (GDP), in particular, must develop competence and confidence in a huge array of clinical and non-clinical areas in order to ensure exceptional patient care. As such, dentists will invest heavily in lifelong training and education to remain abreast of the latest techniques, materials and technologies on the market. However, despite the extensive armamentarium of procedures at their disposal, GDPs will inevitably come across patients whose needs exceed their scope of practice. This is when referring to a specialist or expert team becomes essential for the continuity of their high-quality care.
Maintaining standards
There are a number of regulations in place to protect patients from sub-standard dental care, which mandate referrals to colleagues where clinicians are not capable of providing a particular treatment.
All dental professionals are legally obligated to refer patients to appropriate colleagues whenever they are not sufficiently trained or competent to deliver the care needed.[i] This is relevant in all disciplines from orthodontics to periodontology to oral surgery. The GDC’s Standards for the Dental Team[ii] also clearly state that all patient referrals must be made in the patient’s best interests – free from financial gain for any professional involved – or if a clinician feels they can’t treat a patient safely due to additional needs or disabilities. The guidance requires the referral process to be explained to the patient and that all details must form part of the clinical notes.
All of this is the bedrock of safe and effective dental care. Failure to comply with the regulations would leave professionals vulnerable to serious legal action. Even if a dentist is acting with the patient’s best interests at heart, any treatment performed that results in poor outcomes due to a lack of experience or skill could still lead to significant medico-legal complications.
Managing the risk
Sadly, litigation has become a major issue in dentistry. More than half of dentists (54%) surveyed by the BDA cited fear of complaints as a major source of stress at work.[iii] In many cases, work-related stress levels exceeded the clinician’s ability to cope, placing them at high risk of reduced mental health.
And it’s not a problem that’s likely to decline any time soon. The number of complaints reaching the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman about dentists increased by 66% between 2017/18 and 2022/23.[iv] Among the top reasons for patient complaints are dissatisfaction with an aspect of the treatment or the standard of care provided, and unmet expectations.[v]
Both of these can be better managed with a second professional opinion and/or specialist insights, making referrals even more important. There is also a sound argument for sharing the responsibility of more complex treatment, where the risks of clinical complications are higher. This pathway reduces the pressure on the GDP to perform a procedure outside of their comfort zone. In addition, if a patient knows that an expert in a particular field has been consulted or is providing the treatment, they are more likely to appreciate the complexity of their care and their expectations should be managed more effectively.
A trusted partner
The next step is to find a clinician or a practice you can trust to continue your patient’s care, maintaining the standards you have set. This means a referral centre with a highly trained and experienced clinical team, that delivers evidence-based dentistry utilising the latest technologies and materials in the profession for the best patient outcomes. It is also important to find a team you can build a relationship with, who ensures clear and concise communication that keeps you up-to-date with your patient’s treatment.
The Centre for Oral, Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Reconstructive Surgery affords a range of highly advanced treatment procedures by referral, including full arch rehabilitation, treatment of failing implants and so much more. The clinical team is well-versed in an array of surgical and restorative techniques, and is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and digital technologies. Led by the eminent specialist oral surgeon, Professor Cemal Ucer, they are an excellent choice to give your patients with complex needs the highest chance of success.
A hallmark of clinical excellence
Referrals are a reflection of the collaborative nature of modern dentistry. Recognising the GDP’s boundaries by inviting specialists into the care team is a hallmark of professional judgement and of a genuine desire to provide the highest possible standard of patient care.
Please contact Professor Ucer at ucer@icedental.institute or Mel Hay at mel@mdic.co
01612 371842
[i] Scope of Practice. General Dental Council. September 2013. https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/scope-of-practice/scope-of-practice.pdf [Accessed August 2025]
[ii] Standards for the dental team. General Dental Council. June 2019. https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance/standards-for-the-dental-team [Accessed August 2025]
[iii] Collin, V., Toon, M., O’Selmo, E. et al. A survey of stress, burnout and well-being in UK dentists. Br Dent J 226, 40–49 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2019.6
[iv] Dental complaints on the rise. Parliamentary and Heath Service Ombudsman. 30 October 2023. https://www.ombudsman.org.uk/news-and-blog/news/dental-complaints-rise [Accessed August 2025]
[v] Reasons for patient complaints. The DDU. April 2022. https://www.theddu.com/guidance-and-advice/guides/reasons-for-patient-complaints [Accessed August 2025]
