- Dentist
Bupa Dental Care Gillingham
Assessment report published 17 June 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced off-site inspection on 15 May 2026.
Where we carry out an off-site assessment, we undertake a detailed review of the practice risk assessments, policies, staff records and other relevant documents. We gather feedback from patients, staff and stakeholders (where relevant). We carry out a remote visual assessment of the premises and have discussions with staff.
We found the practice had met regulations.
Overall, 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.
Bupa Dental Care Gillingham is part of Bupa Dental Care, a dental group provider. The practice is in Gillingham, Dorset and provides NHS and 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 4 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 25 staff. We gathered feedback from and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 2 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, 1 dental technician, and the practice manager.
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 patient feedback.
The practice made our questionnaires available to patients, and we received 9 responses. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
As part of patient survey results collected by the practice, 45 patients responded in April 2026. We noted satisfaction scores for ease of booking, staff friendliness, advice and involvement, look and feel of the practice, and its cleanliness ranged between 9.3 and 9.8 out of a score of 10.
Patients praised the practice with comments including, “Professionalism, courtesy and friendliness,” “Very professional and friendly,” and “Everyone is very friendly and welcoming putting you at ease straight away.”
Patients also highlighted supportive and reassuring care, particularly for nervous patients, with feedback such as, “Dentist… very calm and efficient. New technology made my previous unpleasant experiences go away,” and “Nobody likes going to the dentist but everyone at the surgery makes it as good an experience as it can be.”
Communication and advice were viewed positively, with patients stating, “Fast and efficient and also they give advice which I take on board,” and “Friendly and welcoming and knowledgeable.”
Appointment access and efficiency were also recognised, with comments including, “Easy and efficient service,” and “Run on time.”
Cleanliness and the environment received positive feedback, with remarks such as, “The environment is very clean,” and “The waiting area is a good experience, light, clean bright and sets a great tone for the visit to the treatment room.”
Some mixed feedback was noted regarding costs and treatment recommendations, including, “Costs can be a problem especially with everything else going up.” We were told where comments and suggestions were made, this was reviewed and where appropriate action would be taken.
The practice shared patient feedback with the team.