CQC announces new reforms of English dental regulations

A series of major changes to the way primary care dental services in England are regulated have been announced by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Under the new plans, the organisation has proposed to inspect ten percent of providers, focusing attention upon those seen as a cause for concern, in the short term from spring 2015. 

The new-style dental inspections will make better use of intelligence about services, taking a collaborative approach with partners such as the General Dental Council, NHS England and the NHS Business Services Authority. 

Comments and feedback from the public and groups such as Healthwatch will also be incorporated more closely into decision-making processes. This comes as part of a wider effort to open a dialogue with providers, dental patients and groups representing the sector.

Professor Steve Field, chief inspector of primary medical services, said: "We can we work together to ensure that our future approach can best serve both providers and people using dental services."

The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. At the end of 2012, there were 10,139 dental services in England registered with the organisation, with inspection data showing the performance of this sector is very good compared to other parts of the health and care system.