Porchester Dental Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Shared direction and culture
• Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders
• Freedom to speak up
• Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion
• Governance, management and sustainability
• Partnerships and communities
• Learning, improvement and innovation

We found this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Shared direction and culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Freedom to speak up is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

There were 2 providers operating from the premises. The providers shared governance arrangements, including policies and procedures, staffing, equipment and clinical systems. All areas of the business were reviewed jointly on a regular basis.

Systems and processes were broadly embedded, and the inspection did not highlight any significant issues or omissions. Areas requiring improvement were acted on immediately or the provider explained when they would be acted on, for example, the flooring.

Staff were aware of the importance of protecting patients’ personal information. Staff password protected patients’ electronic care records, and paper records were stored securely and complied with General Data Protection Regulations. Tablet devices were used to enable patients to complete or update medical history and to review and electronically sign treatment plan and other documents.

There were processes for identifying and managing risks, investigating incidents and accidents, and for receiving and acting on safety alerts. The provider should consider undertaking a formal risk assessment of the autoclave location to ensure all risks are appropriately mitigated.

The practice had systems and processes for learning and quality assurance. However, the provider should ensure that audits are completed in line with recognised guidance. We noted that the most recent radiograph audits completed in October 2025 and April 2026 had fewer than 100 images included. There were 4 clinicians working over 5 days at the practice.

Concerns and complaints were responded to appropriately, and outcomes were discussed to share learning and for improvement.

Staff understood their responsibilities, and there were some systems of accountability to support good governance.

Staff feedback was obtained through meetings, surveys, and informal discussions. They were encouraged to offer suggestions for improvements to the service, and they said these were listened to and acted upon, where appropriate. For example, staff suggested improvements to the referral process, and they told us this was acknowledged and addressed promptly by the provider.

The practice gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners, and responded accordingly.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, there was an environment sustainability policy in place which outlined measures to reduce water consumption, improve energy efficiency and minimise waste. Examples of implementation included, digitisation of workflow processes including clinical care records and x-ray, proper disposal of clinical waste, encouraging recycling and switching off equipment when not in use.

The judgement for Partnerships and communities is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Learning, improvement and innovation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.