A dental practice website is a marketing tool, but it is also covered by the General Dental Council's guidance on advertising. Most of the requirements are simple, and plenty of practice websites still miss at least one. Here is what the guidance asks for, and how to build it in so it stays right.
What must every dental practice website display?
Under the GDC's guidance, the owner of a practice website must display the following:
- The name and address where the dental service is provided
- The practice's contact details, including an email address and phone number
- The GDC's address and contact details, or a link to the GDC website
- The practice's complaints procedure, and who patients can contact if they are unhappy: the relevant NHS body for NHS treatment, or the Dental Complaints Service for private treatment
- The date the website was last updated
What must each dentist and team member show?
Anyone mentioned on the website as providing dental care must have their professional qualification, the country it comes from, and their GDC registration number displayed. That applies to every dentist, hygienist, therapist, and other registrant you feature.
Why do practice websites drift out of date?
The guidance expects the website to stay accurate about who works at the practice and what it offers. That is where most sites slip. A dentist leaves, a hygienist joins, a treatment is added, and the website is the last thing anyone updates. The last updated date then quietly records how long it has been wrong.
Build the checklist into the website
- Store each team member once, with their qualifications and GDC number, and show them everywhere they appear
- Put the address, contact details, GDC link, and complaints information in the footer of every page
- Update the last updated date automatically whenever content changes
- Give every treatment its own page, with private prices and finance options stated clearly
- Point every page to one clear way to book
This is a summary of the GDC's guidance, not legal advice. Read the full guidance on the GDC website, and ask your indemnity provider if you are unsure.
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Related service: Clinic Websites