- Dentist
The Vale Dental Clinic
Assessment report published 9 February 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced inspection on 16 January 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 broadly reflected current legislation. Improvements should be made to ensure that all appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.
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. Improvements should be made to ensure patient referrals to other dental, or health care professionals are centrally monitored to ensure they are received in a timely manner and were able to be tracked.
The practice is in Golders Green, in the London Borough of Barnet, and provides private emergency dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was a small step leading into the practice and the practice did not have a portable ramp. Patients were informed of this when contacting the practice and were signposted to a nearby practice that was accessible to wheelchair users. On-street parking and public transport services were available near the practice.
The practice had 1 treatment room. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 4 staff, of which there were 2 dentists, 1 qualified dental nurse and 1 trainee dental nurse. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including the principal dentist, the trainee dental nurse and the compliance consultant.
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 received feedback from 12 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
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.
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.