How to check a dentist's registration and reviews before booking
Check a dentist's HPCSA registration, request patient references, and inspect sterilisation practices before booking treatment or spending money.
Booking the first appointment with a new dentist can feel straightforward—find someone close by, check a few online reviews, and show up. But skipping the verification step often leads to frustration: a dentist with poor infection control practices, outdated qualifications, or a track record of aggressive upselling and unnecessary treatments. Taking thirty minutes upfront to check credentials and talk to real patients can save you money, pain and regret.
When you rush, you often discover problems only after treatment has started or bills arrive. A dentist operating without current registration, or one with complaints lodged against them, poses real risks to your health and wallet. The good news is that the checks are straightforward, and most legitimate practitioners welcome them.
Search the Health Professions Council register
The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) maintains a public register of all licensed dentists and dental specialists in the country. Before you call or book, visit the HPCSA website and search for the dentist's full name. Confirm their registration number is current and active, and check what qualifications are listed. If the dentist is registered as a general practitioner, they should not be performing procedures that fall under specialist scope without appropriate credentials.
If the name does not appear or shows as expired, do not book. Ask the practice directly for their registration number if you cannot find them—a legitimate dentist will provide it without hesitation. Keep a note of it for your records. This single step filters out unqualified practitioners immediately.
Request proof and speak to existing patients
When you contact the practice, ask directly for evidence of professional indemnity insurance and any relevant specialist qualifications if they claim expertise in specific areas (orthodontics, implants, cosmetic work). Request the names and phone numbers of at least three patients willing to discuss their experience. Many practices keep a list of patient references who have agreed to be contacted.
When you phone those references, ask practical questions: Did the dentist explain the treatment plan clearly? Were there surprise charges or pressure to book additional procedures? Did they feel rushed, or were appointments unhurried? How long ago were they treated, and have they had any complications? Ask if they felt the dentist listened to their concerns and respected their budget. These conversations reveal how a practice treats patients in real time.
You can also check the HPCSA's complaints register to see if any disciplinary action has been taken against the dentist. If complaints are listed, read the details. A single complaint from years ago may not be disqualifying, but a pattern of complaints about overservicing, poor communication or infection control issues is a red flag.
Scope out the practice environment
Before your first appointment, visit the practice in person if possible. Note whether the premises are clean, whether staff are friendly and organised, and whether equipment looks well-maintained. Infection control matters enormously in dentistry. Ask how they sterilise instruments and what protocols they follow. A dentist who becomes defensive or vague about sterilisation practices is not someone to trust.
During your first visit, observe how the dentist communicates. Do they explain what they see in your teeth? Do they discuss treatment options and costs upfront, or do they push for procedures without explanation? A good dentist spends time on prevention and education, not just treatment recommendations.
Once you have verified registration, spoken to references and felt comfortable during your first consultation, you have built a foundation of trust. If at any point you feel pressured into unnecessary work or ignored when you raise concerns, you can always seek a second opinion or switch practitioners. Strove hosts verified dental practices where you can read patient reviews and compare practitioners before booking, making these checks even simpler.
Common questions
- How do I search the HPCSA register for a dentist?
- Visit the HPCSA website and use their search tool to look up the dentist's full name. Confirm the registration is current and active, and note their registration number. If the dentist does not appear in the register, contact the practice directly to ask for their registration number before booking.
- What questions should I ask patient references about a dentist?
- Ask whether the dentist explained the treatment plan clearly, if there were surprise charges, whether appointments felt rushed, and if they experienced any complications after treatment. Ask how long ago they were treated and whether they felt the dentist listened to their concerns and respected their budget.
- What should I look for when visiting a dental practice for the first time?
- Check that premises are clean, staff are organised and friendly, and equipment appears well-maintained. Ask specifically how instruments are sterilised and what infection control protocols the practice follows. Observe whether the dentist explains findings, discusses options upfront, and avoids pushing unnecessary procedures.
- Can I check if a dentist has had complaints lodged against them?
- Yes, you can search the HPCSA's complaints register to see if any disciplinary action has been taken. A single old complaint may not be concerning, but a pattern of complaints about overservicing, poor communication or infection control is a warning sign.
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