Smilecare Dental Centre

Updated 16 March 2026

We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 8 July 2026.

We found the practice had met regulations.

The practice had effective systems to identify and manage risks, including infection prevention and control.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.

Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and there was 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.

Smilecare Dental Centre is in the London Borough of Islington and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice is an approved level 2 referral centre for endodontic treatment, accepting NHS referrals from other practices through a dental referral service for moderately complex endodontic problems. Endodontic treatment is also known as root canal treatment and is a procedure where the infected or damaged pulp is removed from the tooth’s root canal, cleaning and disinfecting the area and then sealing it to prevent further infection.

There was step-free access to the practice and several public transport links were available near to the practice.

The practice had 4 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 18 staff, of which there were 3 principal dentists, and 8 associate dentists. Of these, 2 were specialist endodontists, 5 had special interest in endodontics and 1 had a special interest in periodontics. In addition, there were 2 dental nurses and 3 trainee dental nurses, and 2 receptionists. The practice had onsite and remote support from a compliance manager. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 4 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 2 receptionists and the compliance manager.

Updated 16 March 2026

Two weeks before our inspection, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 7 patients. On the day of our inspection, we collected patient feedback from a further 9 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.

Comments included, “The staff from the reception to the nurses and dentists have been amazing. They give the best quality of patient care. My treatment plan was explained in detail and all my appointments were easy to book through the receptionist. The dentists were very gentle when carrying out my treatments, I didn’t feel any pain and my usual worry with dentists being heavy handed was nothing to worry about. The nurses were so comforting and friendly. I’ve been following up with my 6-month checkup appointments and I’m very happy with my results and each visit. I’ve seen a huge improvement in my teeth and gums. They are very reasonably priced compared to other practices and the quality of care exceeds my expectations. Very happy with my experience at Smilecare.”

Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.

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.

Patients told us that they were supported to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources.

One patient told us, “I had a great experience at Smilecare, the reception staff were very welcoming, respectful and understanding. I went in for root canal treatment with [a dentist]. They made sure I was comfortable and was very informative on what the treatment would include and any risks. After we finished, they gave very detailed instructions. The nurse was very good, caring and helpful. Before this I saw [a principal dentist] for my check up and fillings. They were very patient and professional with me. They are the best dentist - I’ve gone to after multiple bad experiences at different practices in the past. I highly recommend this practice to anyone.”

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.