- Dentist
The Lytham Dental Clinic
Assessment report published 21 May 2025
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced, on-site inspection on 19 March 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
Recruitment procedures did not reflect current legislation. Complete and up-to-date records were not held for all staff.
The practice had some systems to manage risks. However, fire safety and radiation protection risks were not effectively managed.
Infection control procedures should be reviewed to ensure these are in line with current guidance.The storage of clinical waste was not in line with legislation and guidance.
The current system of policies and governance did not support the practice to ensure effective governance and leadership.
Improvements could be made to the processes for responding to complaints.
The oversight of training should be improved to ensure staff complete training at the appropriate intervals.
However, 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.
The practice is in Lytham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was step-free access to the practice and street parking was available near the practice.
The practice had 5 treatment rooms. The total number of staff was 21.Two of these attended on an occasional basis to place dental implants and do oral surgery. During the inspection we spoke with the directors, 3 dentists, the orthodontic therapist, 3 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, 1 receptionist, the staff member responsible for media and communications, and the practice manager.
The provider was not complying with 1 regulation. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the inspection findings below.
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 received feedback from 1 patient. On the day of our inspection, we received patient feedback from a further 4 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included: “I’ve always been treated well and had great care”. “I found the whole team was friendly and respected my fear factor”. “ Excellent service all round”. “The dentist puts you at ease and listens to your concerns, they are very attentive to your wellbeing”.
Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.
They told us they were able to book appointments within an acceptable timescale for their needs and that they had enough time during their appointment without feeling rushed.
Patients said 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.
When they were prescribed medicines, patients felt that sufficient information was given.
Patients also felt 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.