- Dentist
Birchwood Dental
Assessment report published 18 August 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.
Birchwood Dental is in Hatfield, Hertfordshire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was step-free access to the practice and a dedicated parking space for disabled people was available at the front of the practice. There was additional on street parking nearby.
The practice had 4 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 15 staff, of which there were 4 dentists, 2 foundation dentists, 4 qualified dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist and 2 receptionists (one of whom was a locum). We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 4 dentists, 2 dental nurses, and 1 receptionist.
The service provides cosmetic treatments, some of which are not in scope of CQC regulation and are not covered in our inspection.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our inspection, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We reviewed patient feedback we received, and feedback routinely obtained 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.
Comments included, “Great dental care by the team who were friendly and approachable. Dentist explained all the procedures carefully and provided an exceptional service. The practice is very clean and well maintained. Any questions were answered thoroughly and he was very patient. Timing was adhered to with any changes communicated clearly via telephone. Would definitely recommend this practice for anyone that requires any dental services.”
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.
One patient told us, “In the 10 years we have been using Birchwood dental practice I can honestly say I’ve had no bad experiences [Clinician] who is my dentist is very good at his job and is very clear and precise in explaining what is needed and how he’s going to proceed and explaining the cost involved.”
Patients said when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.
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.