- Dentist
Balham Smile Clinic
Assessment report published 3 October 2025
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced, on-site inspection on 6 August 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
The practice had systems to identify and manage risks. However improvements were needed to ensure action is taken when risks are identified, in particular relating to fire safety and Legionella.
Recruitment procedures reflected legislation. However, oversight of staff training required improvement.
Improvements were needed so that there is effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
Staff provided care and treatment in line with current guidance. They treated patients with dignity and respect and ensured access to care, support, and treatment when required.
Balham Smile Clinic Limited is part of Smile Clinic Group, a dental group provider. The practice is in the London Borough of Wandsworth and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was step-free access to the practice and on-street car parking was available nearby.
The practice had 2 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 4 staff, of which there were 2 dentists, 1 dental nurse/ practice manager, and 1 receptionist. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including the dental nurse, the receptionist and the registered manager.
Staff feedback forms were shared with the team ahead of the inspection, giving staff an opportunity to confidentially share their views about the practice. We did not receive any responses.
The provider was not complying with regulation17 – Good governance. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the inspection report.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this inspection.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our inspection, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We did not receive any direct feedback.
We reviewed patient feedback gathered by the practice and online feedback.
Patients commented that the dental team were ‘’very professional and helpful.’’ ‘’Amazing team.’’
Patients said that their treatments were explained clearly and they were made to feel comfortable during their visits.
A number of patients commented that they would recommend the dental practice.
Patients felt able to book appointments within an acceptable timescale for their needs and said they had enough time during their appointment without feeling rushed.
Patients told us they were given clear information to help them make an informed choice about their treatment and any associated costs. They were involved in decisions about their care.
Patients said when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.
The practice shared patient feedback with the team. We were told this was reviewed and where suggestions had been made, appropriate action would be taken.