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Dr Yunus Akhalwaya Cosmetic Dentistry · Braintree

Complaints procedure

If something has gone wrong, I would rather hear it from you directly and put it right. This page sets out how to raise a concern, what happens next, and who to go to if you are not satisfied with my response.

How to complain

You can raise a complaint in person, by telephone, by email or in writing. You do not need to put it in writing first, and you do not need to use any particular form of words.

  • By phone: 01376 321 789 - the practice reception. Ask to speak to me, or leave a message and I will call you back.
  • By email: braintreereception@together.dental - the practice address. Mark it for my attention.
  • By post: Together Dental, St Michael's House, St Michael's Lane, Braintree, Essex CM7 1EY

Complaints are handled by me personally. I am an independent practitioner and I carry my own indemnity, so a concern about my treatment comes to me rather than to the practice I work from.

What happens, and when

  • Within 3 working days I will acknowledge your complaint, in the same way you contacted me, and tell you who is dealing with it.
  • Within 10 working days I will give you a full written response, including what I have found and what I propose to do.
  • If it will take longer than 10 working days, for example because I need to obtain records or a second clinical opinion, I will tell you why and give you a revised date. I will keep you updated at least every 10 working days after that.

Raising a complaint will not affect the care you receive. Complaints are recorded separately from your clinical notes.

If you are not satisfied with my response

You are entitled to take a complaint further, and you do not need my agreement to do so. Which body you go to depends on the nature of the complaint.

  • Private treatment: the Dental Complaints Service, a free service run by the General Dental Council for private dental patients. Telephone 020 8253 0800, or dcs.gdc-uk.org.
  • Concerns about my registration or conduct: the General Dental Council, the statutory regulator for dentists in the UK. My registration number is 76806 and you can check it on the register at gdc-uk.org.
  • NHS treatment: all treatment I provide privately falls outside the NHS complaints process. If your concern relates to NHS care you received at the practice, that goes through the practice and, if unresolved, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

Time limits

Please raise a concern as soon as you can. The Dental Complaints Service normally expects a complaint to be made within 12 months of the treatment, or within 12 months of you becoming aware of the problem. Earlier is better in any case, because records and recollections are fresher.

Last reviewed 9 August 2026.