The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has stated that it intends to inspect approximately 10% of dental providers and that it will not apply ratings following inspections.

Receiving and acting on complaints: a summary of complaints, responses, correspondence and other relevant information identified must be provided to CQC within 28 days of a request.

The duty of candour, which was introduced by the government through Regulation 20 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, applies to dental practices from 1 April 2015.

All healthcare organisations that provide regulated activities have to register with the CQC. Here's a little background along with advice on who is affected and how to apply for registration.

Here are the Dental Protection resources which you may find helpful as part of your preparation for your inspection.

Hannah Morison graduated from Cardiff Dental School in 2012. Hannah currently works as an SHO in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Northern Ireland. She has also undertaken a year of training as an SHO in Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.