- Dentist
Kirkholt Dental Centre
Assessment report published 6 February 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 28 October 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
The systems to identify and manage risks required improvement. We highlighted areas of risk relating to fire safety, medical emergency arrangements, the servicing of equipment and following up on recommendations, and the oversight of staff training. Following the inspection, the provider sent evidence they were taking immediate action to address these issues.
The recruitment policy reflected current legislation. However, this was not consistently followed.
The practice did not have effective systems to review and investigate incidents and accidents.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our inspection, could access care, support and treatment when required.
Infection control procedures in place were effective.
Practice staff recognised safeguarding as a priority area, they had effective systems to highlight and document safeguarding concerns. Staff worked with the community safeguarding team and local school nurses to resolve any issues in a timely way.
The practice is in Kirkholt, Rochdale and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was step-free access to the practice, and car parking to the front and rear of the premises, including dedicated parking for disabled people.
The practice had 3 treatment rooms.At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 10 staff, of which there were 4 dentists, 4 dental nurses including 1 trainee, 1 receptionist, a company manager and 1 site manager. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, the receptionist, the site manager and the company manager.
The provider was not complying with 1 regulation. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the inspection findings below.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this 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 received feedback from 14 patients. On the day of our inspection, we spoke with and saw patient feedback from a further 8 patients. These and additional patient feedback we reviewed provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Comments included, “Receptionists gave me a warm welcome when I entered the dentist.” “Dentist and assistant really put me at ease. Made a trip to the dentist positive.” “I am treated with the greatest respect by all staff, the dentist is very respectful, informative and patient, explains things in detail.” “Service always very good, prompt appointments and helpful reception staff.” Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness. “Staff are respectful and easy to talk to, the place is very clean.” 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 told us that 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.