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Demystifying CQC - insights from a former inspector

Experienced CQC consultant and former inspector Jodie Carr shares insider knowledge to help you feel confident and prepared for your next inspection.

22 January 2026

Length: 1h

Demystifying CQC - insights from a former inspector

Join Jodie Carr, experienced CQC consultant and former inspector and Sarah Ide Dento-Legal Adviser as Jodie shares insider knowledge to help you feel confident and prepared for your next inspection. Drawing on years of experience in dental practice compliance, they will break down what inspectors really look for and how to make ongoing compliance a team effort.

Watch on-demand for free and please complete this short test to download your quality assured one-hour CPD certificate.

Aim

  • To enhance dental professional’s understanding of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection process and regulatory expectations. 
     

Objectives

  • Explain why and how dental practices are selected for CQC inspection, including risk-based triggers.
  • Identify the common themes explored during CQC dental inspections.
  • Implement practical tips and systems to maintain ongoing compliance and help reduce inspection-related stress.
  • Demonstrate increased confidence in responding to inspectors’ questions and evidence requests.

 

It is anticipated that this will help to meet GDC development outcomes B and D.

 

This page was correct at publication on 22/01/2026. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Webinar Q&A

When do you know if you have passed the CQC inspection?
The CQC does not state whether a practice has “passed” or “failed” an inspection. At the end of a CQC inspection, the inspector will provide verbal and written feedback summarising their findings. This is followed by a draft inspection report, which is normally issued within a few weeks.

The draft report will state whether regulations have been met or not met against each of the key questions.

Providers will not know the final outcome until they receive the draft report. If you believe the draft report contains factual inaccuracies, you can challenge these through CQC’s factual accuracy process. You have 10 working days from receipt of the draft report to submit your response.
What path would someone take to become a CQC inspector?
At the time of this live webinar, inspector vacancies appear on the CQC website under the recruitment section. CQC inspectors come from a range of professional backgrounds. Experience in health and social care, particularly in relation to governance, leadership, quality assurance is helpful.

A good understanding of relevant legislation and guidance is important. This may include knowledge of areas such as health and safety legislation, infection prevention and control, safeguarding, RIDDOR, COSHH, professional standards and relevant national guidance.

It is also beneficial to keep up to date with guidance, published inspection reports, and CQC MythBusters, as these reflect how regulations are interpreted and applied in practice.
In a worst case scenario where the inspection goes badly and there will be enforcement from the CQC, what would the next steps be?
If serious concerns are identified, the inspector will usually raise these at the inspection feedback. You should take immediate action to reduce risk and document any action you have taken. Where enforcement is proposed, providers should follow the formal CQC process and challenge inaccuracies where appropriate (for example through the representations process) and seek advice. CQC will confirm its findings in the draft report and you can challenge factual inaccuracies where appropriate.
Do you need a legionella external risk assessment, and how often does this need to be carried out?
Under UK law, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, COSHH Regulations 2002, and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Approved Code of Practice L8, a Legionella risk assessment must be carried out.

The risk assessment must be completed by a competent person. This does not have to be an external contractor, provided the individual has sufficient training, knowledge, experience, and understanding of legionella risks and the specific water system in place. The size of the practice and the complexity of the water system should be taken into account when deciding who is competent to carry this out.

If there were a suspected or confirmed case of Legionella and the CQC or HSE visited, you would be expected to demonstrate that the risk assessment was carried out by a competent person and that appropriate control measures are in place and being monitored.
Can you give some examples of high-risk flags which might raise attention?
High-risk flags that would raise attention would be any issues that place patients and/or staff at risk of harm. Examples include poor oversight of fire safety, legionella and health and safety. Other examples include inadequate arrangements for medical emergencies, an unsafe premises and poor infection control.