Brook Lane Dental Surgery

On this page

• Overview
• Shared direction and culture
• Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders
• Freedom to speak up
• Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion
• Governance, management and sustainability
• Partnerships and communities
• Learning, improvement and innovation

We found this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Shared direction and culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Freedom to speak up is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The practice had a governance system that included policies and procedures, which were accessible to staff and were reviewed on a regular basis.

Systems and processes were embedded, and the inspection did not highlight any issues or omissions.

Staff were aware of the importance of protecting patients’ personal information. Staff password protected patients’ electronic care records, and paper records were stored securely and complied with General Data Protection Regulations. Electronic tablets were used to store signed documents electronically in patient records, this helped to improve data security.

There were effective processes for identifying and managing risks, investigating incidents and accidents, and for receiving and acting on safety alerts.

The practice had systems and processes for learning, quality assurance and continuous improvement. This included undertaking audits according to recognised guidance.

Concerns and complaints were responded to appropriately, and outcomes were discussed to share learning and for improvement.

We noted innovative approaches to providing person centred care. For example, the practice was awarded the National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants and Lawyers Dental Check by One (DCby1) initiative in 2025 encouraging children to attend their first dental visit by the age of one. Since 2024 the practice has introduced ‘Tooth Fairy Days’ designed to make dental visits fun, engaging and memorable for children. During these events the staff team dressed in fairy wings and tiaras to create a magical atmosphere for young patients. Each child received stickers, temporary tattoos, colouring sheets and a toothbrush to encourage positive oral habits. Alongside these events the practice team regularly visited local preschools and schools to deliver talks, play interactive games on oral health, discuss healthy diets and overall dental wellbeing. The practice provided children with goodie bags containing a Mini Monster kit providing a range of oral health equipment including flossers, toothpaste, a toothbrush and a mini egg timer to guide 2 minutes tooth brushing time. The principal dentist had also been a regular guest on a local radio station helping to promote good oral health and raise awareness about the importance of preventative dental care within the wider community.

Staff had clear responsibilities, and systems of accountability to support good governance.

Staff feedback was obtained through meetings, surveys, and informal discussions. They were encouraged to offer suggestions for improvements to the service, and they said these were listened to and acted upon, where appropriate.

The practice gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners, and responded accordingly. Patient suggestions were encouraged and the practice reviewed and responded to feedback. We noted patient feedback comments were displayed in the reception area. Comments we reviewed were wholly positive, these included, “They get the job done with a minimum of fuss. My confidence is restored, would highly recommend.”

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, reducing the use of paper for printing by having electronic patient records and governance systems, recycling and conserving energy by turning heating and lights off when not in use and reducing their electronic and heating footprint wherever possible.

The judgement for Partnerships and communities is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Learning, improvement and innovation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.