- Dentist
The Dental Practice
Assessment report published 17 December 2025
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 13 November 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
The practice had some systems to identify and manage risks. The leadership and oversight for the day-to-day management of the service needed improvements.
Recruitment procedures did not fully reflect current legislation.
There were ineffective systems to support 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.
Staff broadly had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.
The practice known as Polygon Dental Practice is in Southampton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
Car parking spaces were available, including dedicated parking for disabled people, near the practice. The practice’s entrance was located two steps above ground level, resulting in restricted access for wheelchair users.
The practice had 4 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 14 staff, of which there were 4 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists, 3 receptionists and the practice manager. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 2 dentists, 1 dental nurse, 2 receptionists 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.
People's experience of this service
On the day of our inspection, we saw patient feedback from 7 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
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 said when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.
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.