- Dentist
Hangleton Dental Practice
Assessment report published 23 October 2025
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this unannounced on-site inspection on 23 July 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
Recruitment procedures did not fully reflect current legislation.
The practice had not ensured that staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. Some staff did not know their responsibilities for safeguarding.
There was ineffective leadership, a lack of governance systems and the culture did not demonstrate continuous improvement.
The practice did not have effective systems in place to manage all risks. In particular, the risks associated with fire safety and infection prevention and control.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our inspection, could access care, support and treatment when required.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance and infection control procedures were in place.
Patients’ consent to care and treatment was obtained in line with legislation and guidance.
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 Hove 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 on the front driveway.
The practice had 4 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there were no qualified dental nurses employed. The dental team consisted of 8 dentists, 4 dental therapists, 4 dental hygienists, 3 receptionists and 5 trainee dental nurses. We spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 3 dentists, 3 trainee dental nurses, 1 dental therapist/ hygienist and 2 receptionists.
The provider was not complying with 4 regulations. Full details of the regulations 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 spoke with and saw patient written feedback from 9 patients. Comments included,“ Very good dentist. Have been coming here for many years and very happy with my dentist and reception staff”, “staff are always friendly and have treated me well” and “had a personal concern that was dealt with completely- full information given.”
Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness. One person told us, “The environment always appears safe and hygienic” and another wrote, “Building is always clean and tidy.”
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. Comments included, “Take time with consulting patient, good range of appointments” and “Very friendly staff, appointment on time, right care and treatment given.”
Feedback responses from 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.
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.
While patient feedback told us that they were generally happy with their care, our inspection found there were regulations that were not met.