- Dentist
Thornhill Dental Practice
Assessment report published 17 February 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 16 January 2026.
We found the practice had met regulations.
Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.
Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
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.
The practice had some systems to identify and manage risks, including infection prevention and control. Greater oversight of some management systems required improvement.
The practice is in Southampton and provides NHS Intermediate Oral Surgery (IMOS) dental treatment on referral for adults and children. IMOS is a dental service in the UK providing specialized, non-hospital care (Level 2) for complex tooth removals and oral procedures.
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 1 treatment room. The service operated from premises within a dental practice owned by a separate individual provider with whom a Service Level Agreement was in place. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 2 staff, of which there were 1 specialist oral surgeon and 1 dental nurse. There were additional support staff who were employed by the other provider.
We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to the oral surgeon and the dental nurse during our inspection.
People's experience of this service
On the day of our inspection, we saw patient feedback from patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included:
“Very friendly dentist and nurse as well.”
“Both dentist and assistant were very caring and understanding as I was very anxious. I felt confident in what was happening throughout.”
Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness. “Helpful, clean, quick.”
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. “First rate communication”
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.