Worthing Dental Centre

Updated 12 February 2025

We carried out this announced inspection on 15 April 2025.

We found the practice had not met all regulations.

Recruitment procedures did not fully reflect current legislation.

There was ineffective leadership, a lack of governance systems and the culture did not demonstrate continuous improvement.

The practice did not have effective systems in place to manage all risks. In particular, the risks associated with fire, electrical safety and infection prevention and control.

Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our inspection, could access care, support and treatment when required.

Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance and infection control procedures were in place.

Patients’ consent to care and treatment was obtained in line with legislation and guidance.

The practice is in Worthing 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, including dedicated parking for disabled people, near the practice.

The practice had 6 treatment rooms.At the time of our inspection, the dental team consisted of 4 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 4 trainee dental nurses, 4 dental therapists, 3 receptionists and an off-site practice manager. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 4 dentists, 1 dental nurse, 4 trainee dental nurses, 2 dental therapists, 3 receptionists and the registered provider.

The provider was not complying with 2 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.

Updated 12 February 2025

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 feedback from patients. On the day of our inspection, we spoke with and saw feedback from 15 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.

Written feedback comments included, “Excellent dentist, always helpful and professional and a good dental practice”, “always super friendly staff, very quick with waiting, positive and upbeat during appointment” and “we have been coming to this dental practice for years and are very happy with the treatment we have received both by the dentists and reception staff.”

Findings from patient feedback questionnaires demonstrated that people were positive about the standards of cleanliness.

Patients responded positively that they were able to book appointments within an acceptable timescale for their needs and they were given clear information to help them make an informed choice about their treatment and any associated costs.

While patient feedback told us that they were generally happy with their care, our inspection found there were regulations that were not met.