# NHS DENTAL COMPLAINT LETTER
Date: 22 May 2025
Parties: From: Priya Shah, 12 Willow Close, Bath BA2 6RT. To: Complaints Manager, City Dental Centre, 44 Queen Street, Bath BA1 1HE. Treating dentist: Dr Lewis Grant.
## 1. Treatment and subject
Subject: complaint about NHS Band 3 crown treatment on upper left first molar, completed by Dr Grant on 6 June 2024. I paid the NHS charge of £319.00 on that date. The crown loosened on 9 April 2025 while eating soft food and fell out on 11 April; I kept it safely.
## 2. What I was told and what happened
I recall being told that a crown was recommended, but I was not given a clear written explanation of alternatives, expected life or likely follow-up. On 14 April the practice advised that the 12-month NHS repair or replacement period had expired and offered a private consultation. I seek a clinical explanation, without alleging negligence as a concluded fact.
## 3. Basis and outcome sought
Please investigate under the practice complaints procedure and the applicable NHS dental arrangements, and consider the relevant NHS treatment guarantee as it stood on 6 June 2024. Please arrange a no-cost examination, explain whether repair or replacement is clinically appropriate, and refund or correct the charge if an administrative or charging error is found.
## 4. Response and records
Please acknowledge by 29 May 2025 and provide a written response by 19 June 2025, identifying the investigator and any review route. Please provide my treatment plan, consent notes, laboratory record, radiographs and itemised NHS charge, subject to lawful redaction. I distinguish factual corrections from disagreement with clinical opinion; if a clinical opinion cannot be erased, please add my requested supplementary note.
## 5. Enclosures and escalation
Enclosed are the receipt, photographs from 11 April, the crown, appointment messages and the 14 April email. I will consider the practice's final response before contacting the relevant NHS commissioning complaints route or the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman; current routes and deadlines must be verified. This letter is signed by Priya Shah.