- Dentist
Smiles By Gurms
Assessment report published 2 November 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 7 October 2026.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
There was a lack of sufficient governance and oversight to identify and manage various risks, including risks associated with medical emergencies, equipment, dental radiography, fire safety and Legionella.
Complaints were not always handled effectively, and the practice did not consistently demonstrate a culture of continuous improvement.
Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles, although improvements were required to ensure staff training was up to date.
Smiles by Gurms is in Leicestershire and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces available, including dedicated parking for disabled people, near the practice.
The practice had 3 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 4 staff, of which there was the principal dentist, a hygiene therapist, a reception manager and the practice manager (who was also a dental nurse). We gathered feedback and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection.
The practice is owned by a company and as a condition of registration must have a person registered with the Care Quality Commission as the registered manager. Registered managers have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the practice is run. There was no registered manager at the time of our inspection.
The provider was not complying with 1 regulation. 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 reviewed patient feedback we received, and feedback routinely obtained by the practice. Patient feedback provided a mostly positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Patients praised the friendly, caring and professional team. Patients felt well informed, with treatments and procedures clearly explained, and many highlighted the personalised approach and the time taken to address their concerns. The practice was commended for providing prompt access to urgent appointments, effective treatment outcomes and supportive aftercare.
Several patients reported that the team helped reduce dental anxiety and made them feel comfortable throughout their care. Patients also commented favourably on the cleanliness and presentation of the practice.
Some patients raised concerns about delays in receiving dental products, such as retainers, following treatment; however, they remained complimentary about the support and professionalism of staff. Overall, feedback reflected high levels of satisfaction in the care provided.
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 were given clear information to help them make an informed choice about their treatment and were involved in decisions about their care.
Patients said when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.
Patients were supported to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources.