- Dentist
Archived: Quay Health Also known as Smile Dental Care Group - Paignton
Assessment report published 11 August 2025
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
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.
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 did not receive any feedback prior to our inspection. On the day of our inspection, we were given feedback forms from 24 patients, which was collected by the provider prior to our inspection. Patient feedback generally 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.
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.