- Dentist
Loddon Bridge Road Dental Practice
Assessment report published 19 August 2025
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this unannounced on-site inspection on 16 July 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance.
Patients’ consent to care and treatment was obtained in line with legislation and guidance.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our inspection, could access care, support and treatment when required.
There was a lack of effective leadership, and not all risks associated with undertaking of regulated activities had been suitably identified and mitigated.
Recruitment checks had not been carried out, in accordance with relevant legislation to help them employ suitable staff.
The management of the availability of emergency equipment and medicines required improvement to ensure national guidance was followed.
Infection control procedures did not follow published guidance.
The practice did not have effective systems to review and investigate incidents and accidents.
The practice is in Reading 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 near the practice.
The practice had 5 treatment rooms.
At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 27 staff, of which there were 7 dentists, an implantologist, an oral surgeon, 6 dental nurses, 7 student dental nurses, 1 dental hygiene therapist, 1 dental hygienist, 2 receptionists and the practice manager.
We spoke with a range of staff during our inspection, including 2 dentists, 1 dental nurse, 1 student dental nurse, 1 dental hygiene therapist, 2 receptionists and the practice manager.
The service provides cosmetic treatments, some of which are not in scope of CQC regulation and are not covered in our inspection.
The provider was not complying with 3 regulations.
Full details of the regulations 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
On the day of our inspection, we saw patient feedback from 27 patients.
Patient feedback 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 they were supported to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources.
All of the patients told us they would recommend the practice family or a friend.
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.