From Compliance to Confidence: Why It’s Time for Dental Teams to Embrace Quality Improvement

Photo by Benyamin Bohlouli on Unsplash

How confident are you that your dental practice is meeting its quality improvement (QI) requirements? In the current NHS and regulatory landscape, the pressure is on for dental teams to not only provide safe, high-quality care — but also to prove they’re improving it. Whether you’re a dentist, associate, practice manager, dental nurse or part of a wider NHS dental service, QI is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s a requirement. Since December 2024 CQC have started to report and score based on 34 quality statements. They will use defined evidence categories to assess and score services. Practices will now be assessed as ‘regulations met’ or ‘not all met’.

Although data suggests that most dental practices are passing CQC inspections (In 2017–18, circa 90% of inspected practices met the standards — whereas 10% required improvement and 2% faced enforcement action) By 2018–19, the percentage requiring action had risen — 85% of practices required no action.  CQC are starting with 10% of dental practices, initially focusing on those who have never been inspected or where the inspection was a significant time ago. Covid had a massive impact on the ways in which dental practices work and their underlying financial positions. A meaningful minority of practices may be at risk of falling short.

So what does meaningful improvement look like in a busy dental setting? And how can your team take ownership of it without becoming overwhelmed?

That’s exactly our team can come in with our Improve ONE thing approach.

Why Quality Improvement Matters in Dentistry

Whilst we realise that some dental practices are fully private, some NHS and some a mixed model, we note under both the NHS contract and CQC regulations, dental practices must have a quality system in place. This means:

• Monitoring performance
• Identifying areas for improvement
• Taking structured action
• Recording and demonstrating outcomes

While audits and checklists are part of the process, they’re only the start. The real challenge is embedding ongoing improvement into everyday care. We’ve written another blog on PDSA v’s Audit, you may be interested in to help explain the differences.

I’ve recently been talking to several professionals working in Dentistry, each with their own reflections on their roles and the industry they work in. So far, I’ve discovered that some of the common QI challenges dental teams face are:

• Can I help my bottom line and what does QI have to do with this?
• How can I reduce waste through QI? Could I help reduce spend on consumables like cement, paper etc?
• Can I make sure processes around equipment cleaning are efficient and make sure instruments are always useable?
• Can QI be used to ensure you are recovering all the available income?

The answer is yes!

Objections, or certainly concerns I’ve noticed have included:

• “QI feels abstract — I’m not sure where to start.”
• “We’ve done audits, but nothing really changed.”
• “We’re stretched — I can’t take on anything else.”
• “I want to do more, but I need practical support.”

Sound familiar? Quality improvement doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming or hugely theoretical.

A proven – and smarter way: Improve ONE Thing – The Full QIP

At QIClearn, we’ve worked with hundreds of NHS professionals — from junior doctors to nurses, midwives and pharmacists — to support them in delivering meaningful improvements. Now, we’re making this practical, CPD-certified QI course available for dental professionals too. The course is ready for individuals to enrol onto now – or we can commission courses for a larger interest.

The concept is simple: Choose ONE Thing. Improve it. Prove it.

Working in dentistry – QIClearn

What You’ll Learn:

• How to choose an issue in your practice worth improving
• Use simple but powerful tools like:
  • Driver diagrams
  • PDSA cycles
  • Practical measurement
• Engage your team without overwhelming them
• Present your work as clear, professional evidence for:
  • CQC inspections
  • NHS commissioners
  • Personal CPD portfolios

We know you need to work on and showcase real improvements. This course ultimately allows you to gain real recognition and evidence. Imagine being able to evidence how you:

• Improved patient flow and reduced DNAs
• Enhanced infection control or triaging systems
• Strengthened patient communication or access
• Reduced clinical variation between team members

It is achievable – and within your reach. That’s what real QI looks like and what your regulators are looking for.

QIClearn have carefully designed courses that are flexible, supported & balanced for busy workloads.

This course is:

• 100% online and self-paced
• CPD-accredited (30 hours)
• Includes group mentoring and expert support
• Delivers a completed, evidence-based QIP you can submit

Whether you’re doing it solo or as a team, it’s doable, supported and proven to work.

We’d love to support you. Explore the course here:
qiclearn.com/improve-one-thing-the-full-qip

Or email us at team@qiclearn.com to discuss how this could fit into your practice or CPD strategy.

Let’s make QI easier, clearer, and genuinely impactful — ONE improvement at a time.