The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Westlands Dental Studio

26 Front Street, Lanchester, Durham, County Durham, DH7 0ER (01207) 520265

Provided and run by:
The Village Dental Practice

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

We undertook a follow-up off-site inspection on 3 June 2025. This was carried out to review the actions taken by the registered provider to improve the quality of care and to assess whether the practice was meeting legal requirements.

We had previously undertaken an announced on-site inspection of Westlands Dental Studio on 6 February 2025. We had found the registered provider was not providing well-led care and was in breach of regulation 17, good governance, of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

During our follow-up inspection, we found the practice had met regulations.

The practice had systems to manage risks.

Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation.

Infection control procedures followed published guidance.

There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.

Westlands Dental Studio is part of Riverdale, a dental group provider. The practice is in Lanchester in County Durham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces were available near the practice.

The practice had 3 treatment rooms.During the assessment we spoke with the practice manager, a buddy practice manager from a sister site and a compliance officer. A number of other members of the group’s business and compliance teams were also on the call supporting the practice.

During an assessment under our new approach

We carried out this announced, on-site assessment on 6 February 2025.

We found the practice had not met all regulations.

Improvements were needed to the systems for managing risks.

There was ineffective leadership. Systems did not ensure all training and recruitment protocols were consistently followed.

Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance, and infection control procedures were in place.

Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required.

Westlands Dental Studio is part of Riverdale, a dental group provider. The practice is in Lanchester in County Durham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces were available near the practice.

The practice had 3 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and the practice manager. The group’s compliance manager and area manager were also at the assessment to support the practice.

The provider was not complying with Regulation 17. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the assessment findings below.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.