- Dentist
Barbara Castle Dental Practice - Harlow
Assessment report published 23 September 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 16 July 2026.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
The practice had some systems in place to identify and manage most risks; however improvements were required to ensure all risks were identified and managed appropriately. In particular regarding the management of risk from fire, Legionella, recruitment procedures and staff immunity to Hepatitis B.
Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.
Most 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.
Improvements were required to ensure effective leadership.
Barbara Castle Dental Practice – Harlow is situated in Harlow, Essex and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. There is a sister practice in Priors Green, Little Canfield, Essex.
The practice is located in a Health Centre with other health services. There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces available, including dedicated parking for people with blue parking badges, outside 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 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses,1 trainee dental nurse,1 dental therapist 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.
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 spoke with and saw patient feedback from a further 3 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included, “Had a cleaning for my teeth and the experience was great, the hygienist was nice and made sure I felt comfortable.”
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.
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.