- Dentist
John G. Plummer & Associates Thorpe St. Andrew
Assessment report published 20 October 2025
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection with remote support from a specialist advisor on 22 September 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
Infection control procedures in place were effective.
The practice had some systems to identify and manage risks. Improvements were needed to ensure that all risks were identified and managed appropriately.
Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.
Recruitment procedures did not always reflect current legislation. Improvements were needed to ensure effective leadership.
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.
John G. Plummer Associates Thorpe St. Andrew is part of John G. Plummer Associates, a dental group provider. The practice is in Norwich and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice also provides clinics for minor oral surgery and paediatric care.
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 11 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 81 staff, of which there were 27 dentists, 3 foundation dentists, 1 dental therapist, 1 dental hygienist, 1 oral surgeon, 30 dental nurses, 10 trainee dental nurses, 6 receptionists, 1 administrator and the practice manager. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection.
The provider was not complying with Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. 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
We saw patient online reviews received by the practice. Patients repeatedly commented on the kind and caring nature of staff, who were very supportive, especially with anxious patients. Patients said staff had a professional and friendly manner and took time to ensure patients felt comfortable. 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. 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.