CQC report shows UK dentistry combines low risk and high quality

The Care Quality Commission's (CQC) latest State of Care report has provided fresh evidence of the high quality of UK dental care.

A total of 714 inspections of primary dental care services were carried out by the CQC in 2014-15 and it was concluded that, compared to other sectors, dental services present a lower risk to patients' safety. 

The majority of dental services were deemed to be safe, providing a good quality of care, while it was also revealed that the CQC will be moving to a model of inspecting just ten percent of all practices each year as a result.

Responding to the report, the British Dental Association (BDA) said this was an affirmation of the high standards that UK dentists are able to meet, as well as a vindication of the decision to switch to a new model of dental inspections.

Mick Armstrong, chair of the BDA, said: "In recent years we've seen a clear and consistent picture emerge from inspections by the CQC. The care provided by dental services combines low risk and good quality – which is something our profession has always known."