Ashley Down Dental Care

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

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

The provider had made improvements in relation to the regulatory breach we found at our on-site inspection on 27 March 2025.

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

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

At the focused follow-up inspection on 6 October 2025, we found the practice had made the following improvements to comply with the regulations:

Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) cleaning materials were stored securely.

Improvement should be made to the practice's processes for the control of COSHH identified substances to ensure risk assessments are undertaken for any new substances that are introduced to the practice.

The clinical waste storage cupboard at the rear of the premises displayed a warning sign to alert people about the existence of the waste.

Dental radiography was carried out in line with relevant regulations and guidance.

Recording of prescription pads was accurately maintained.

Damage to the decontamination room flooring had been repaired.

A carbon monoxide detector was available to protect patients and staff.
A fire risk assessment had been carried out by a person who could demonstrate the competency to do so, and the day-to-day management of fire safety was effective.

At the focused follow-up inspection on 6 October 2025, we found the practice had made the following improvements to comply with the regulations:

The practice implemented an effective recruitment procedure which ensured that appropriate checks were completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.

Clinical staff had adequate immunity for vaccine preventable infectious diseases.
A lone worker risk assessment was available for staff who worked alone.

The practice ensured staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.

At the focused follow-up inspection on 6 October 2025, we found the practice had made the following improvements to comply with the regulations:
The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

We saw, and staff confirmed that single-use items were not reprocessed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05 guidance.
Colour coded cleaning equipment was separated when stored, which reduced the risk of cross infection. Oversight of cleaning standards could be evidenced.

Staff uniforms and outdoor clothes were stored in lockers. These were separated to reduce the risk of cross contamination.

The frequency of infection prevention and control audits aligned with current infection control Health Technical Memorandum 01-05 guidance.

A sharps bin was labelled appropriately.

The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems. A risk assessment had been completed, and the recommendations were acted upon.
Evidence of appropriate training to effectively manage the risks associated with Legionella bacteria in water systems was available for the person responsible for Legionella.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.