- Dentist
Dental Department, Colchester Primary Care Centre
Assessment report published 7 September 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
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.
People's experience of this service
On the day of our inspection, we received feedback from patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the service.
Comments included, “The service received has been very good, they have been very patient and the whole experience has been settling”, “Excellent service. Wonderful and helpful staff”, “Patients are treated with dignity, respect and are listened to”, “All staff friendly, informative and understanding of support needs, breaking down procedures”, “Superb professional dentist and support staff” and “Excellent professional assistance and advice”.
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.