- Dentist
Northwick Park Dental Practice
Assessment report published 9 April 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced inspection on 13 March 2026.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
The practice did not have effective systems to manage risks. Improvements were needed to how the practice assessed and mitigated the risks associated with fire, legionella, and general health and safety.
The practice recruitment procedures did not always reflect current legislation.
Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. However, improvements were required to ensure systems in place to monitor staff training were effective.
Although the practice had some systems in place to support continuous improvement, there was a lack of effective leadership.
Infection control procedures reflected published guidance.
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 is located on the ground floor of Northwick Park Hospital 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 within the hospital grounds, including dedicated parking for disabled people.
The practice had 3 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 16 staff, of which there were 5 dentists, 4 qualified dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 3 dental hygienists, 1 receptionist and the practice manager. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including the principal dentist, 1 associate dentist, 1 dental hygienist, 1 dental nurse, 1 receptionist and the practice manager.
The service provides cosmetic treatments, some of which are not in scope of CQC regulation and are not covered in our inspection.
The provider was not complying with regulation 17 (Good governance) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. 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 onsite assessment, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We did not receive feedback from patients.
The practice gathered on-line feedback from patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included:
“From start to finish, [staff] were exceptionally attentive, knowledgeable, and kind.”
“[The dentist] is always so friendly and helpful. She would explain issues in detail clearly and she is also very patient.
“They always find a way to fit me in if I have a dental issue. All dentists and hygienists I have seen here have always taken the time to talk me through every step of the process and ensure I'm clear and comfortable.”
“I always have a great experience at Northwick Park Dental Practice. The staff are friendly, professional, and make me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”
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 said 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.
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.