- Dentist
Sleep Lane Smiles
Assessment report published 24 November 2025
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 6 November 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and ensured access to care, support, and treatment when required.
The practice had safeguarding processes, and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding.
Staff obtained patients’ consent to care and treatment in line with legislation and guidance.
We found shortfalls in appropriately assessing and mitigating risks in relation to hazardous substances, legionella and infection prevention and control.
Although recruitment procedures reflected current legislation, these were not always followed, and oversight should be improved.
Training was not monitored to ensure staff were up to date with their mandatory training and their continuing professional development (CPD).
The management of fire safety required improvement to ensure national guidance was followed.
Although there are issues to be addressed, the impact of our concerns relates to the governance and the oversight of the risks, rather than a patient safety risk.
The practice is in Bristol and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Car parking is available next to the practice.
The practice had 4 treatment rooms.
At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 23 staff, of which there were 6 dentists, 1 periodontist, 1 endodontist, 2 hygienists, 6 registered dental nurses, 3 trainee dental nurses, 3 administration and reception staff and the practice manager.
We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 2 dentists, 1 hygienist, a treatment coordinator, 1 nurse and the practice manager.
The provider was not complying with Regulation 17 – Good Governance.
Full details of the regulation 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 received feedback from 14 patients.
Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
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.