High Street Dental Practice Also known as South Cliff Dental Group Broadstairs

Updated 15 October 2024

We carried out this announced, on-site inspection on 16 April 2025.

We found the practice had not met all regulations.

Infection control procedures in place were ineffective.

The practice had ineffective systems to identify and manage risks.

There was ineffective leadership to support a culture of continuous improvement.

Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance.

Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our inspection, could access care, support and treatment when required.

High Street Dental Practice is part of Southcliff Dental, a dental group provider. The practice is in Broadstairs, Kent 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 2 treatment rooms.At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 8 staff, of which there was 1 dentist, who worked one day each week, 3 trainee dental nurses, 2 dental therapists, 1 dental hygienist, 1 receptionist and the practice manager.

We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 2 trainee dental nurses, 2 dental therapists, the receptionist and the practice manager.

The provider was not complying with Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: 15 - Premises and equipment, 17 – Good governance.

Full details of the regulations the provider was not meeting are within the inspection findings below.

Whilst there are issues to be addressed, the impact of our concerns relates to the governance and the oversight of the risks, rather than a patient safety risk.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this inspection.

Updated 15 October 2024

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 feedback. We reviewed feedback from patients who had made contact with us within the previous 12 months. Patient feedback provided a mixed view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.

Patients said that the staff team were kind, welcoming and helpful.

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 that when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.

However some patients told us that they were not always given clear information in order to make an informed choice about their treatment. Some said they were not made aware that their appointment would be with a dental therapist rather than a dentist.

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.