During an assessment under our new approach
We carried out this announced comprehensive on-site inspection on 11 June 2026.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
Systems to identify and manage risks to patients and staff were not always effective.
Recruitment procedures did not always reflect current legislation, and improvements were required to the oversight of staff training.
The leadership culture required improving to support continuous improvement.
Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.
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.
Smile Dental Care Eastbourne is part of Smile Dental Care, a group provider. The practice is in Eastbourne and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was step-free access to the practice and on street parking available.
The practice had 4 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 13 staff. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 receptionists, the practice manager, area manager, a consultant in decontamination and infection prevention and control for the group and the registered manager/group director.
The provider was not complying regulation 17, good governance. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the assessment findings below.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this inspection.