The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched a new campaign to help patients understand more about their rights.

The 'Right to Smile' campaign, supported by the British Dental Association (BDA), private dentistry providers and a number of consumer groups, has been launched to help patients make informed decisions, understand more about their entitlements to NHS treatment, and know what their options are if things go wrong.

The OFT advises that regardless of whether patients have an NHS or private dentist they should receive a written treatment plan which includes the cost of any treatment their dentist has discussed with them. As part of the campaign the OFT has released a film and produced an information leaflet.

Dr Martin Fallowfield, the Chair of the BDA's Principal Executive Committee, said: 'As the OFT acknowledges, patients' satisfaction with dental care in the UK is very high. Effective communication between dentists and patients is vital in improving oral health and the BDA is pleased to lend its support to this campaign.'

www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/consumer-protection/campaign11-12/dentistry/;jsessionid=D304789012816548AD8375865F2D8F20