Clinical treatment outside hospital; Dentist : Clinical treatment outside hospital; Dentist : A Dental Practice in the area of Swansea Bay University Health Board Report Date 20/08/2025 Case Against A Dental Practice in the area of Swansea Bay University Health Board Subject Clinical treatment outside hospital; Dentist Case Reference Number 202406395 Outcome Not Upheld Mr C complained on behalf of his wife, Mrs C, about the care and treatment she received from a dental practice in the area of the Health Board. Mr C complained that dental treatment for Mrs C’s fractured front tooth and crown was urgent and should not have been dealt with on a private care basis. Specifically, the investigation considered whether the decision not to offer a timely NHS appointment was made appropriately on 5 February 2024. It also considered whether the decision to decline Mr and Mrs C any further dental care on an NHS basis was appropriate.
The Ombudsman found that the decision not to offer an urgent NHS appointment on 5 February 2024 was made appropriately owing to the presenting symptoms not requiring urgent care or treatment. The offer of a routine NHS appointment in April was acceptable. It was also found that there was no maladministration in relation to the decision by the Practice to decline Mr and Mrs C any further dental care, based on a breakdown in the relationship. The Ombudsman did not uphold either complaint.