CQC inspections rarely arrive with much notice. The practices that pass smoothly are the ones with a standing checklist, not the ones scrambling the week before. Here is what to have in place going into any 2026 inspection.
PPE and infection control stock
Inspectors check for Type IIR CE-certified surgical masks (not just Type II), a full range of nitrile glove sizes, self-seal sterilisation pouches in all sizes your instruments require, and single-use disposable gowns for any procedure with blood or fluid exposure risk. Buffer stock matters as much as what is currently open; a practice with two weeks of reserve stock reads very differently to an inspector than one running on what is left in the cupboard.
Documentation inspectors ask for
- CE certificates and safety data sheets for consumables and PPE, available on request, not just on file somewhere
- Sterilisation logs mapped to HTM 01-05 requirements
- Waste segregation records, including sharps and clinical waste disposal contracts
- Staff training records for infection prevention and control
The two-minute self-check
Before any inspection window, walk through three questions: do you have Type IIR masks in stock, not just Type II? Do you have a full glove size range, not just Medium? Do you have at least two weeks of buffer stock across PPE categories, not just what is currently on the shelf? If any answer is no, it is a same-week fix with UK next-day delivery, not a crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What PPE standard does CQC expect for UK dental practices in 2026?
CQC inspectors generally expect EN 14683 Type IIR CE-certified surgical masks as standard for clinical procedures, alongside nitrile examination gloves and fluid-resistant disposable gowns for higher-risk procedures.
How much buffer PPE stock should a dental practice keep?
There is no fixed CQC number, but most practice managers aim for at least two weeks of buffer stock across core PPE categories to avoid gaps during a busy period or supplier delay.
Does CQC check supplier documentation during inspections?
Yes. Inspectors increasingly ask practices to demonstrate they can produce CE certification and safety data sheets for consumables and PPE on request, which means your supplier needs to provide these promptly.
Hospitrade supplies CE-certified PPE and consumables with documentation available on request, and 2-4 day UK delivery. Top up your PPE stock before your next inspection window.
