- Dentist
Church Street Dental Surgery
Assessment report published 27 June 2025
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 12 May 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
Infection control procedures in place were effective.
The practice had some systems to identify and manage risks.
Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our inspection, could access care, support and treatment when required.
Church Street Dental Surgery is located in a Tudor timber framed building in Saffron Walden and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. Due to the limitations of the building, step free and wheelchair access was not available. Car parking spaces were available, including dedicated parking for disabled people, in pay and display car parks near the practice.
The practice had 3 treatment rooms.At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 11 staff, of which there were 3 dentists, 4 dental nurses including 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 dental therapist, 1 dental hygienist and 2 receptionists. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist and 1 receptionist.
The provider was not complying with 1 regulation. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the inspection findings below.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this inspection.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our inspection, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 1 patient. On the day of our inspection, we spoke with and saw patient feedback from a further 9 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included, “Always a positive experience, reception staff make you feel welcome, the dentist puts you at ease and the hygienist is very thorough.”
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 told us that when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.
Patients told us that they were supported to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources.
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.