Our current view of the service
Updated
22 March 2026
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 29 June 2026.
We found the practice had met all 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.
Martlesham Heath is in Martlesham Heath, Suffolk 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, outside the practice.
The practice had 4 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 14 staff, of which there were 4 dentists, 6 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, 2 dental hygienists and the practice manager. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection.
The service provides cosmetic treatments, some of which are not in scope of CQC regulation and are not covered in our inspection.
People's experience of the service
Updated
22 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 25 patients. On the day of our inspection, we spoke with and saw patient feedback from a further 3 patients. Patient feedback provided a wholly positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included, “Been going to the practice for several years always found everybody there is very kind, pleasing, helpful, friendly and professional, top notch,” and “I have recently joined Martlesham Dental Practice with my two young children and have been delighted with the service we have received. The practice is friendly, welcoming and professional. I am a patient of [Dentist] and have found her to be excellent. She is professional and thorough and explains everything clearly. [Dentist] shows excellent patient care and instantly puts you at ease. With my two children, [Dentist] has been great. I trust her implicitly. There is no comparison between the care we have been receiving at Martlesham and the care we received previously. I would highly recommend this practice to somebody else.”
Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness. Patients told us, “Very clean and tidy. Very friendly staff. Booking was very easy. Appointment was on time. Dentist was excellent. No issues. Very good overall experience. Reminders for appointments work well.”
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 told us, “From booking, through to treatment, it was a very good patient experience. The dentist I saw was excellent. Talked everything through clearly, all options discussed thoroughly. Very happy with the end result.”
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.
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. Staff told us, “We have regular informal meetings as well as email and [secure instant messaging] communications. I am only at the practice 1 day a week but I always feel involved.”