During an assessment under our new approach
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 12 August 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.
Dental Department, Colchester Primary Care Centre is part of Community Dental Services CIC, a dental group provider. The practice is in Colchester and provides paediatric and special care dentistry on a referral only basis. They also provide training to undergraduate dental hygiene students from the University of Essex.
The service was located on the ground floor of a primary care centre. There was step-free access and car parking spaces available, including dedicated parking for disabled people, near the practice.
The practice had 4 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 17 staff. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygiene student, 1 receptionist, the complaint and governance manager, the regional associate operations director and the operations manager.