Updated 24 April 2025
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 8 July 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
The provider had systems in place to help manage risks to patients and staff. However, these did not work effectively, particularly those related to fire safety, staff training, lone working, sharps injury, management of X-ray imaging, and governance around decontamination of dental instruments.
Recruitment procedures were in line with current legislation. However, improvements were needed to ensure that staff training was consistently up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.
Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.
Staff provided care and treatment in line with current guidance. They treated patients with dignity and respect and ensured access to care, support, and treatment when required.
Stoke Lane Dentistry is in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice had recently been acquired and major refurbishment was in progress, several specialist services were planned to launch in the coming months.
There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces were available near the practice.
The practice had 3 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there were a total of 14 staff, of which there were 2 dentists (including the new owner, who is a specialist in Endodontics), 5 dental nurses (including a trainee dental nurse), 3 dental hygienists, a treatment coordinator, a receptionist, a practice manager and a facilities manager.
We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 treatment coordinator, 1 receptionist and the practice manager.
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 collected 3 feedback forms from patients visiting that day.
Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. One patient told us “I feel very lucky to have such an excellent dentist and practice to attend”.
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.
The provider was not complying with Regulation 17, good governance. 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 inspection.