- Dentist
York Road Dental Practice
Assessment report published 1 September 2025
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 8 July 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
The practice did not have effective systems to manage risks, including those associated with fire and the use of hazardous substances.
Recruitment procedures broadly reflected current legislation. Improvements were needed to ensure the practice obtained the relevant Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate for all staff at the point of employment and evidence of staff Hepatitis B vaccination responses, so appropriate control measures can be implemented if necessary.
The practice had some system to monitor staff training enabling timely action if training requirements were not being met. However, improvements were needed to ensure, all staff, including trainees, completed training at a level appropriate to their role.
Infection control procedures were in place. However, improvements were needed to the ongoing oversight of the effectiveness of these procedures.
There was ineffective leadership and a lack of culture of continuous improvement.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance.
The practice is 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 5 staff, of which there were 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses and 1 trainee dental nurse. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 2 dentists, 1 dental nurse and 1 trainee dental nurse.
The provider was not complying with 2 regulations. Full details of the regulations the provider was not meeting are within the inspection report.
In instances where CQC has begun a process of regulatory action, we may publish this information on our website after any representations and/or appeals have been concluded, if the action has been taken forward.
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 4 patients. On the day of our inspection, we saw patient feedback from a further 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. One patient told us, “Clean working environment, attentive and professional.”
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. One patient said, “Whenever I needed an urgent appointment [the dentist] would always try and fit me in within hours so that I wouldn't need to wait.”
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. One patient commented, “The service here has always been amazing, and they go above and beyond. [The dentist] particularly has always been very patient and caring and even calls to check up on you a few days later.”
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.