Archived: Quay Health Also known as Smile Dental Care Group - Paignton

We had previously undertaken an on-site inspection on 4 June 2025 under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions.

We found the registered provider was not providing well-led care and was in breach of Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

We undertook a follow up on-site inspection on 26 March 2026.

This inspection was carried out to review the actions taken by the registered provider to improve the quality of care and to confirm that the practice was now meeting legal requirements.

We found the practice had met regulations.

Quay Health is part of Smile Dental Care a dental group provider.

The practice is in Paignton, Devon and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There was step-free access into the practice ground floor.

On street car parking, including disabled persons parking, was available outside the practice.

The practice had 6 treatment rooms. 

During our inspection we spoke with the practice manager, area manager and a manager from one of the provider’s other practices.

We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 04 June 2025.

We found the practice had not met all regulations.

There was a lack of effective leadership, and not all risks associated with undertaking of regulated activities had been suitably identified and mitigated.

Recruitment procedures were in line with current legislation, and there was evidence of a culture of continuous improvement. However, the practice should ensure that up-to-date training records are maintained for all staff.

Infection control procedures were in place but they were not always effective.

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.

Quay Health is part of Smile Dental Care a dental group provider. The practice is in Paignton, Devon and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There was step-free access to the practice and residential car parking spaces available near the practice.

The practice had 6 treatment rooms, 5 were currently in use, as one was being refurbished before being opened. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 16 staff, of which there were 1 dentist, 7 dental nurses (including 4 trainees), 3 dental therapists, 1 dental hygienists, 3 receptionists and the practice manager.

We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including the dentist, 2 dental nurses, 2 dental therapists, 1 dental hygienist, the covering practice manager, registered manager and the provider’s area business manager.

The provider was not complying with Regulation 17. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the assessment findings below.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.