- Dentist
Whelby Dental
Assessment report published 19 May 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 26 March 2026.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
There was a lack of sufficient governance and oversight to identify and manage various risks, including risks associated with dental radiography, medical emergencies, Legionella and fire risk management.
Staff had the skills and experience to carry out their roles.
Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation.
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.
Whelby Dental is in Ongar and provides 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, in pay and display car parks near the practice.
The practice had 2 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 16 staff, of which there were 2 dentists, 1 oral surgeon, 1 endodontist, 4 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, 1 dental hygienist, 4 receptionists, 1 administrator and the practice leader. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection.
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. 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
On the day of our inspection, we reviewed patient feedback routinely collected by the practice. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
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.
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.