- Dentist
Elm Park Dental Surgery
Assessment report published 13 August 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 24 June 2026.
We found the practice had met regulations.
Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.
Staff provided care and treatment in line with current guidance.
Feedback showed that staff treated patients with dignity and respect and ensured access to care, support, and treatment when required.
Staff told us that the leadership team was approachable.
The practice had some systems in place to identify and manage risks, however, this needed strengthening to ensure risks were appropriately mitigated.
Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation; however, this was not consistently followed.
Improvements were required to ensure there was oversight of the governance arrangements.
Elm Park Dental Surgery is in the North East London Borough of Havering 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 26 staff, of which there were 10 dentists, 1 oral surgeon, 4 qualified dental nurses, 6 trainee dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, 1 dental hygienist, 2 receptionists and the practice manager. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 4 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and the practice manager.
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. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included,
“I visited for a check-up and had a very positive experience. The staff were friendly and efficient, and my dentist was patient, professional, and easy to talk to…”
“I came in as an emergency and saw [a dentist] who was incredibly empathetic and kind. I could tell that they care for their patients.”
“My dentist was very friendly and made me feel comfortable throughout the appointment.”
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.
“[A dentist] explained the options and risks involved… After discussing my treatment plan, [the dentist] explained the payment options such as pay in full or finance and didn’t pressure me to go ahead with the treatment unless I was comfortable with it.”
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.
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.