- Dentist
University of Bath Dental Centre
Assessment report published 10 November 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 6 October 2026.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
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.
Systems and processes were in place; however, aspects of monitoring, documentation and oversight required strengthening to ensure that all risks were consistently identified, assessed, and mitigated.
We found shortfalls in appropriately assessing and mitigating risks in relation to the control of substances hazardous to health, radiography, medical emergencies, staffing, and infection prevention and control.
The management of fire safety required improvement to ensure national guidance was followed.
The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation. However, these were not consistently followed for locum staff.
Although 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.
The practice is in Bath and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for the University of Bath’s students, staff, and their families.
The practice is not suitable for patients with limited mobility due to internal stairs. If patients contact the practice to discuss mobility needs the staff team can advise how they can assist or direct to a more accessible practice.
The practice had 1 treatment room.
At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 4 staff, of which there were 2 dentists and 2 dental nurses.
We gathered feedback from and spoke to staff during our inspection, including a dentist and 2 dental nurses.
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.
On the day of our inspection, we spoke with patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
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.
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.
Patients told us that 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.