Understand practice data
CQC inspections and NHS UDA scores
CQC reports and NHS activity data answer different questions. Use both when comparing a dental practice.
Updated 21 May 2026
CQC dental inspections
The Care Quality Commission regulates dental practices in England. Most dental practices are inspected but not rated in the same way as hospitals or care homes.
For dentists, the inspection report often matters more than a rating badge. It shows whether CQC found breaches and whether the practice had to make changes.
What CQC checks
CQC reports are organised around five questions: safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Read those sections to understand infection control, safeguarding, complaints, governance and how the practice is run.
What UDA scores mean
UDA stands for Units of Dental Activity. It is how NHS dental contracts in England and Wales measure activity. A practice has a yearly UDA target and reports delivered activity.
A score close to 100% suggests the practice is delivering its NHS contract. A low score can point to under-delivery, while a practice above target may still stop taking new NHS patients if its NHS capacity is full.
Use the signals together
No single number tells the whole story. Check CQC inspection history, NHS acceptance, UDA delivery and patient counts together.