Our Verification Methodology

ClinicSpark is a UK directory of dentist-led facial aesthetics clinics. This page sets out — in plain terms — how we build listings, what we verify, what we do not, and where our data comes from. Our positioning is trust-first, so the methodology has to be transparent enough that a patient, a clinician, a regulator or a journalist can check it.

What ClinicSpark is and is not

• Is: an information directory that aggregates publicly available data on UK dental practices offering facial aesthetics, and cross-references it against UK regulator registers.
• Is not: a medical provider, a booking platform, a review aggregator, or an endorsement service.
• ClinicSpark does not sell, supply, arrange or prescribe prescription-only medicines (including botulinum toxin).
• ClinicSpark does not accept payment to alter, create or remove trust badges. Paid placements exist only as clearly labelled Featured or Premium positions — see How we make money.

Where listing data comes from

Initial practice data is collected from publicly available sources, including:

• Google Maps and Google Places business listings (name, address, phone, website, aggregate rating, review count).
• Public clinic websites (treatments offered, practitioner information where published by the clinic).
• The GDC public register for dentist registration status.
• The Care Quality Commission register for clinic premises operating in England.
• The Save Face accreditation register.
• The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) membership list.
• The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) membership list.

What our trust badges mean

Each trust badge on a clinic profile reflects a cross-reference to a specific public register at the time of review. Badges are not editorial opinions, paid placements, or affiliate relationships.

• GDC Registered — at least one practising dentist associated with the listed practice appears on the live GDC register.
• CQC Registered — for practices in England, the clinic premises appears on the CQC register of regulated providers. (CQC registration is required from October 2025 for premises offering injectable cosmetic treatments in England.)
• Save Face Accredited — the clinic or practitioner appears on the Save Face public register.
• BACD Member — the clinic or a named clinician is a current member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
• BCAM Member — the clinic or a named clinician is a current member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine.

Verification is a snapshot in time. Regulator status can change. We recommend that patients independently re-verify any registration or accreditation on the relevant public register before booking treatment. Links to each register are listed above.

How ClinicSpark trust badges are not awarded

• Not by payment. Paid plans (Featured, Premium) do not affect badge eligibility in any direction.
• Not by self-attestation. A clinic claiming their listing does not automatically receive trust badges — badges are only assigned after cross-reference against the relevant public register.
• Not by affiliate relationships. ClinicSpark does not receive referral fees from Save Face, BACD, BCAM, the CQC or the GDC.

Practitioner attribution policy

ClinicSpark content is published under the ClinicSpark Editorial Team byline. We deliberately do not:

• Invent named clinicians or fabricate GDC registration numbers;
• Present fictional "clinical reviewers" as a trust signal;
• Show stock photos or AI-generated portraits as editorial staff.

If a real, consenting clinician or regulated healthcare writer reviews a specific article in future, their attribution will appear on that article and link directly to their entry on the relevant public regulator register.

What we do not publish

• Before-and-after imagery for botulinum toxin, dermal fillers or any POM-involving treatment (in line with ASA/CAP rules).
• Efficacy or outcome claims about specific practitioners or clinics.
• Comparative safety claims between individual clinics.
• Patient testimonials presented as promotional content.
• Paid reviews or paid testimonials in any form.

How clinics can correct or claim a listing

Any practice can claim their listing for free to verify contact details, request corrections or update treatment information. Corrections are logged and processed by the editorial team. If a clinic wishes to be removed entirely, we honour those requests on written confirmation from an authorised contact.

How patients can report a problem

If you spot an inaccuracy — a closed clinic, an incorrect phone number, a practitioner no longer practising — please contact us and we will investigate. Regulatory complaints about an individual dentist should be made directly to the GDC; concerns about a clinic in England should be raised with the CQC.

Compliance statement

ClinicSpark operates in line with:

• GDC guidance on ethical advertising of dental services;
• ASA / CAP Code rules on cosmetic procedure advertising, including the ban on promotional claims for prescription-only medicines;
• MHRA guidance on POM status of botulinum toxin products;
• UK GDPR requirements for any data submitted via forms on this site.