- Dentist
Horn Mews Dental Practice
Assessment report published 22 May 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 16 April 2026.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
There was a lack of sufficient governance and oversight to identify and manage various risks, including risks associated with infection prevention and control, decontamination, recruitment, medical emergencies and fire risk management.
The practice safeguarding processes required strengthening as not all staff understood their responsibilities for safeguarding.
The practice did not have effective systems to review and investigate incidents and accidents.
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.
Horn Mews Dental Practice is in Braintree, Essex and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is located in a Grade 2 listed building in a conservation area with a set of steep steps and a handrail to the front entrance, wheelchair access was limited. Car parking spaces were available, including dedicated parking for disabled people, in pay and display car parks near the practice.
The practice had 2 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 8 staff, of which there were 2 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse and 1 receptionist. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection.
The provider was not complying with Regulation 12 Safe care and treatment and Regulation 17 Good governance. Full details of the regulations 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.
People's experience of this service
On the day of our inspection, we reviewed patient feedback routinely collected by the provider. 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.
Patients told us that they were supported to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources.