All inspections: John Sullivan Dental Practice Limited

We undertook a follow-up on-site inspection on 20 January 2026. This was carried out to review the actions taken by the registered provider to improve the quality of care and to assess whether the practice was meeting legal requirements.

We had previously undertaken an announced on-site inspection of John Sullivan Dental Practice Limited on 16 September 2025. We had found the registered provider was not providing well-led care and was in breach of regulation 17, Good governance of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

During our follow-up inspection, we found the practice had met regulations.

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.

The practice is in Wilmslow and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There was step-free access to the practice via a portable ramp and car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, near the practice.

The practice had 2 treatment rooms. The total number of staff was 10. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 2 dentists and 1 dental nurse.

We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 16 September 2025. During this inspection, we assessed the safe, effective and well-led key questions. We did not assess caring and responsive.

We found the practice had not met all regulations.

The practice had some systems to identify and manage risks, including infection prevention and control. However, these were not always working effectively and required improvement.

Leadership and oversight of the service was not always effective. Processes for continuous improvement required 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.

We were unable to assess the recruitment processes or staff files on the day of inspection due to a provider IT system failure. We were also unable to review the equipment servicing documentation. We will cover this aspect of the inspection methodology when we return for a follow-up inspection.

The practice is in Wilmslow and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults.

There was step-free access to the practice via a portable ramp and car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, near the practice.

The practice had 2 treatment rooms. The total number of staff was 10. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses and the practice manager.

The provider was not complying with Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. 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.

We spoke with nine people who were patients of the practice to find out their perceptions of the staff and services provided. People said they discussed and signed treatment plans prior to having any treatment and were generally given clear details of any costs involved. Eight of the nine patients spoken with told us they knew what the cost of their treatment was prior to the treatment commencing. Comments received included; "the dentist discusses what treatment is available and the costs involved. He also gives clear options about various treatments"; "marvellous dentist I would not go anywhere else. However the practice do not always provide me with costing prior to treatment" and "I know the costs before I have any work done, first class dentist."

People said they were respected and made to feel calm and reassured when they attended the surgery. Comments included; "The service we get is nothing less that perfect."

The policies and procedures file held details of all the policies in place to ensure that people who used the service were safeguarded from harm. People told us they felt safe and well treated when they attended the practice.

There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection and people told us the premises were clean and tidy and the surgeries were well equipped.

Staff told us they felt well supported and had all the training and information they needed for their role.

John Sullivan Dental Practice Limited

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

During an assessment under our new approach

7 October 2013

During a routine inspection