- Dentist
Acorn Dental Surgery
Assessment report published 13 August 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 14 July 2026.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
The practice had some systems to identify and manage risks, including infection prevention and control.
There was a lack of sufficient governance and oversight to identify and manage various risks, including risks associated with medical emergency equipment, Legionella and fire risk management.
Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.
Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation. We found there was a lack of 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.
The practice is in Gloucester and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces were available, including dedicated parking for disabled people, near the practice.
The practice had 2 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 5 staff, of which there was 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist and 1 receptionist. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection.
The provider was not complying with Regulation 17 Good governance. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the inspection report.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this inspection.
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 reviewed patient feedback we received, and feedback routinely obtained by the practice. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included, “The service I have experienced for the time which is approximately 30 years. Is outstanding. The quality of care is outstanding I’m a very anxious person. When I have had treatment [Dentist] always explains what he is going to do. Always asking if I’m ok. [Dentist] always makes my visits not so worrying.”
Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.
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.
We were told, “I have found the surgery to be extremely efficient in organising appointments and meeting the appointment time. Often for more urgent problems they have found prompt appointments which have been much appreciated.”
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.
We were told, “Came a while ago for routine procedure. All staff were friendly, professional, and organised. There were options and I had some time to think about which path to take and agreed with the dentist. They were very clear on how it worked and what the risks were and made sure I knew to come back or call if there were any concerns afterwards.”
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.