Updated 1 October 2025
We carried out this announced on-site inspection with remote support from a specialist advisor on 2 March 2026.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.
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.
The practice had ineffective systems to identify and manage all risks. Improvements were required to ensure that all risks were identified and managed appropriately.
Infection control procedures in place were generally effective, but improvements were required to ensure compliance with regulations.
Recruitment procedures did not always reflect current legislation.
Improvements were required to ensure effective leadership.
Ballard and Tucker Limited, also trading as Biggleswade Dental Centre, is in Biggleswade in Bedfordshire 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, including dedicated parking for disabled people, near the practice.
The practice had 7 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 30 staff, of which there were 10 dentists, 1 endodontist, 1 prosthodontist, 5 dental hygienists, 1 orthodontic therapist, 8 dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 2 receptionists and the practice manager. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection.
The provider was not complying with Regulation 17 Good Governance. 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.