All inspections: G & L Askins - Lowton - Care Quality Commission

We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 7 January 2026.

We found the practice had met regulations.

The practice had effective systems to identify and manage risks, including infection prevention and control.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.

Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.

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 in Lowton, Greater Manchester and is known locally as Church Lane Dental Practice. The practice provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, near the practice.

The practice had 4 treatment rooms. The total number of staff was 12. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 3 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, 2 receptionists and the practice manager.

We spoke with three patients when we visited this dental surgery who were all happy with the service they received. We heard comments including 'they are great here. They make you feel so relaxed and comfortable'; 'The receptionist is good. She has rearranged appointments with no problems at all' and 'Everything is fine, there are no changes needed at this dentist.'

At our last inspection in February 2013 we found that there was a system in place to monitor the quality of care but the information obtained was not always used to demonstrate that improvements had been made. At this inspection we found that improvements had been made and the service was now fully meeting this standard.

We spoke with four patients who were visiting the practice for their dental care and treatment during our visit. They were happy with the service they received. One patient told us 'The staff are lovely' and another patient told us 'I have lots of confidence in my dentist's ability.'

Patients told us they were involved in their care and treatment decisions and they were given good information about their care and treatment. One person told us 'The dentist explains all of the choices available to me.'

Patients told us that the practice environment and equipment was always clean. On the day of our visit we found that the all of the treatment areas were clean and well organised. The staff were following national standards for controlling infection to ensure that patients' safety was maintained.

We saw that staff had completed relevant training and that they made sure that they kept up to date with current dental practice. There was an system in place to monitor the quality of care but information obtained was always used to demonstrate that improvements had been made to the quality of care and treatment.

G & L Askins - Lowton

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

12 July 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

27 February 2013

During a routine inspection