A NEW report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has revealed that nearly nine out of 10 dental practices in England inspected by the regulator have complied with all five of its key standards.
Out 1,131 practices inspected in 2016/17, 88 per cent were found to be safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. These findings emerged from the CQC’s annual State of Care report.
The CQC found that:
- 100 per cent of inspected practices met the tests for 'caring' and 'responsive' to their patients' needs and preferences
- 99 per cent were found to be 'effective' in achieving good health outcomes
- 96 per cent were found to be safe
- 89 per cent were considered to be well led.
Community dental services faired particularly well with 88 per cent achieving ratings of good or outstanding.
The CQC has been collecting data on primary healthcare services since 2011 and inspects around 10 per cent of dental practices each year.
Mick Armstrong, Chair of the BDA, said: "The latest CQC report represents another ringing endorsement for good practice in our profession, in spite of the huge challenges we face.
"Once again we see patients are at less risk when they visit their dentist than they are with most other healthcare professionals.”
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