Elbow Lane Dental Care

Updated 25 March 2026

We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 9 July 2026.

The practice was providing care and treatment in accordance with the relevant regulations. However, the provider should improve governance and oversight of medicines management, environmental safety checks, and the visiting sedation team.

The practice had systems to identify and manage risks, including infection prevention and control.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.

Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.

Staff provided care and treatment in line with current guidance. They treated patients with dignity and respect and ensured access to care, support, and treatment when required.

Elbow Lane Dental Care practice is in Formby 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 nearby, including dedicated parking spaces for disabled people.

The practice had 7 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there were 29 staff working at the practice, including 10 dentists, 13 dental nurses (9 qualified and 4 trainees), 1 dental therapist, 1 dental hygienist, 1 receptionist, the practice manager plus 1 visiting implant clinician and 1 visiting sedation clinician. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke with a range of staff during our inspection, including 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 2 reception staff and the practice manager.

Updated 25 March 2026

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 24 patients. On the day of our inspection, we spoke with and saw patient feedback from a further 13 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.

Comments included:

“Fantastic practice, excellent staff, calming reception area. Always treated with respect and dignity.”

Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.

“The receptionists are very professional. The surgery is clean and bright. My dentist is very thorough and explains and discusses any treatment I need.”

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.

“Fantastic customer service. Patient safety and comfort is clearly priority. Reception staff couldn’t be more welcoming. I’d recommend this practice to all my friends and family.”

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

“Very informative consultation and I fully understood the root canal procedure and what to expect afterwards. The dentist was very attentive and answered all my queries, he was a really genuine guy. The whole procedure was comfortable and pain free. I have complete confidence that my long term issue has finally been resolved. Overall a very professional and sincere team. Would highly recommend.”

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.

“The environment is clean and modern looking. The newsletter offered to patients makes us feel part of a wider cared for community.”