Scottish Dental Reference Service (SDRS)

The Scottish Dental Reference Service (SDRS) is made up of a small team of independent dentists who help to monitor the standard and quality of NHS dental treatment.

This is done by inspecting your mouth either before treatment is carried out or after you have received treatment.

For pre-treatment cases, in support of Prior Approval, the Dental Reference Officer (DRO) reports on the necessity of the treatment and the appropriateness of the dentist's treatment plan. They will make alternative suggestions if the original plan is not considered appropriate.

Post treatment referrals are selected on a random basis or where our Dental Advisers have a concern over the treatment claimed by the dentist.

When you have been examined, the DRO will tell you whether your treatment, proposed or received, is satisfactory or not. A report is sent to your dentist detailing the outcome of the examination. You can request a copy of this report by asking a member of staff for a form after your examination is complete.

If you have had treatment that the DRO believes to be of a poor standard, your dentist has a responsibility to correct any work not done to a satisfactory standard.

When you sign your GP17 form, you are also agreeing that you will attend the Scottish Dental Reference Service, if required (see below):

Patients are urged to make every effort possible to attend to assist in the monitoring process and allow the optimum use of the Dental Reference Officers time and that of their support staff.

View the SDRS Patient Information Leaflet

Contact Details

Scottish Dental Reference Service
NHS National Services Scotland
Meridian Court
5 Cadogan Street
Glasgow
G2 6QE

Phone 08457 125449 (Calls charged at the local rate)