CQC gives dentistry a ringing endorsement – low risk and high quality

Of the 1,131 dental practices inspected in 2016/17, the CQC found that 88% complied with the regulator’s five key tests: Are healthcare providers safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

100% of inspected practices met the tests for ‘caring’ and ‘responsive’ to their patients’ needs and preferences, while 99% were found to be ‘effective’ in achieving good health outcomes; 96% were found to be safe, and 89% were considered to be well led.

Community dental services again lead the pack offering the highest quality of care of all the community services, with 88% achieving a rating of good or outstanding, compared with 72% for the other three core community services.

The CQC has been collecting data on primary healthcare services since 2011, and throughout the regulator has confirmed that dental practices, compared with other sectors, present a lower risk to patient safety.

In April 2015, this low risk prompted the CQC to move to a model of inspecting just 10% of all practices each year.