Our current view of the service
Updated
11 August 2025
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 17 February 2026.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
Improvements were needed to the governance systems to ensure they were reflective of the practice protocols and consistently followed.
The practice’s systems to manage risk were not always effective. In particular, risks associated with fire, health and safety, stock control and sharps safety.
The practice did not have effective systems to review and investigate incidents and accidents.
Improvements were required to the oversight of staff recruitment documents and staff mandatory training.
Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and ensured access to care, support, and treatment when required.
Hindley Dental Practice is in Hindley, Wigan and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was step-free access to the practice via a portable ramp and car parking spaces available near the practice.
The practice had 4 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 10 staff, of which there were 2 dentists, 1 foundation dentist, 1 foundation therapist, 4 qualified dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse and the practice manager (who was also a qualified dental nurse). We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, the foundation therapist and the practice manager.
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.
People's experience of the service
Updated
11 August 2025
Prior to our visit, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 17 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included,
“…the staff are friendly and always ready to help with anything.”
“Amazing staff! All work done has been top class. Thank you!”
“Reception staff always friendly. Nothing is too much trouble for them. All staff are very caring and attentive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this dentist.”
“A very good professional service. I get anxious but not at this practice.”
“Excellent practice. Very supportive and helpful. I feel at ease visiting the dentist and feel I get good value and professional care.”
“The staff at the practice are always friendly and welcoming. Every time I’m here I’m greeted with my name before giving it and I’ve noticed this with all other patients who visit the practice. I’ve never had a bad experience here and have been a patient since being a small child.”
“Dentist surgery very clean and staff very friendly and welcoming. Treatment done very professionally and happy with the treatment I have always experienced.”
“Excellent dentist. Don’t go anywhere else.”
“Very good.”
Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness. “Always spotless and polite professional staff”.
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. “Very friendly and always there helping and fitting us in when they can.”
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. “…Reception always accommodating and compassionate. The staff were all lovely and helpful, the dentist discussed all my options and gave me time to make a decision. Really recommend!”
Patients said when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.
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.