The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Northiam Dental Practice

Main Street, Northiam, Rye, TN31 6NA (01797) 252727

Provided and run by:
Dr. Joanne Mason

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

We carried out this announced inspection on 16th May 2025.

We found the practice had met regulations.

The practice had effective systems to identify and manage risks, including infection prevention and control.

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 is in Rye in Kent 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, on the practice premises.

The practice had 4 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 22 staff, of which there were 7 dentists, 7 registered dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 4 dental hygienists and 2 receptionists. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, and the receptionists.

The service provides cosmetic treatments, such as facial aesthetics these are not in scope of CQC regulation and are not covered in our inspection.

26 July 2013

During a routine inspection

When we visited we spoke with two patients, one of whom was new. They told us that they had been provided with information about the practice. The existing patient told us they had been fully involved in discussions with their dentist and other staff about the treatments available to them and any costs involved. They said they were very satisfied with the service they had received and found practice staff friendly and helpful.

We saw that, when handling calls or speaking with patients, reception staff were mindful of patient confidentiality. We saw that treatment consultations took place in private. Patients told us that they had not experienced any difficulty in obtaining routine or emergency appointments.

We saw records of treatment plans for three existing patients. The computerised records showed patients had been consulted about and consented to aspects of their care.

An existing patient commented positively to us about the high standard of accommodation and overall cleanliness. We saw that all areas were well maintained. When we spoke with staff about infection control we saw that they adhered to the service policy and procedures for this.

We looked at staff training records. These showed that staff received the necessary training and skill development to help them perform their role safely and well. We saw that patients' views were taken account of and that staff were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to a good standard.