Fernleigh Dental Practice

Updated 27 August 2025

We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 24 March 2026.

We found the practice had met regulations.

The practice had effective systems to identify and manage risks.

The practice infection control procedures generally aligned with published guidance. However, improvements should be made to the systems in place for the storage of sterilised instruments.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. However, improvements are needed in the systems for monitoring staff training.

Recruitment procedures broadly reflected current legislation. Improvements should be made to ensure that all required recruitment documentation is requested from staff members at the point of employment.

There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. Improvements should be made to strengthen audit processes so they more effectively identify, analyse, and address gaps

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 the London Borough of Enfield 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 near the practice.

The practice had 3 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 11 staff, of which there was the principal dentist, 2 associate dentists, 1 visiting prosthodontist, 2 qualified dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 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 trainee dental nurse and the practice manager.

Updated 27 August 2025

Two weeks before our inspection, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 11 patients. On the day of our inspection, we received feedback from a further 10 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.

Comments included, “The staff are unbelievably friendly, professional, caring, and comforting, all the while making everyone feel like family. The staff literally go the extra mile to get to know their clients.”

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. One patient told us, “The staff at Fernleigh, receptionists, nurses and my dentist have all helped me have the confidence to get help. They have honestly been life changing. They are kind, professional and understanding. I can’t thank them enough.”

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.