East Finchley Smiles

Updated 5 January 2026

We carried out this unannounced on-site inspection on 8 May 2026.

We found the practice had not met all regulations.

The practice had some systems to identify and manage risks, including infection prevention and control. However, infection prevention and control procedures required review to ensure alignment with current national guidance.

Most staff had completed core training relevant to their roles, and systems were in place to monitor training compliance.

Recruitment procedures broadly reflected current legislation. However, improvements were required to ensure that all recruitment documentation was obtained at the point of employment, including from visiting staff.

Staff provided care and treatment in line with current guidance. However, improvements were required ensure that documentation relating to intravenous sedation was consistently and accurately recorded within patient care records.

There was a lack of oversight and governance arrangements relating to recruitment, infection prevention and control, and the provision of conscious sedation required improvement.

Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and ensured access to care, support, and treatment when required.

The practice is in East Finchley, in the London Borough of Barnet, and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces available near the practice.

The practice had 2 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 13 staff, of which there were 5 dentists, 5 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 receptionist and the practice manager. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including the principal dentist, 1 dental nurse, the dental hygienist and the receptionist.

The service provides cosmetic treatments, some of which are not in scope of CQC regulation and are not covered in our inspection.

The provider was not complying with regulation 17 (Good governance) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the inspection report.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this inspection.

Updated 5 January 2026

On the day of our inspection, we spoke with and gathered feedback from 3 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.

Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.

Patients felt able to book appointments within an acceptable timescale for their needs and said they had enough time during their appointment without feeling rushed.

Patients told us they were given clear information to help them make an informed choice about their treatment and any associated costs. They were involved in decisions about their care.

Patients said when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.

The practice shared patient feedback with the team. We were told this was reviewed and where suggestions had been made, appropriate action would be taken.