Leicester Smile Clinic Limited

We undertook a follow-up off-site inspection on 14 July 2026. This was carried out to review the actions taken by the registered provider to improve the quality of care and to assess whether the practice was meeting legal requirements.

We had previously undertaken an announced on-site inspection of Leicester Smile Clinic on 20 June 2025. We had found the registered provider was not providing well-led care and was in breach of regulation 17, good governance of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

During our follow-up off-site inspection, we found the practice had met regulations.

The practice had effective systems in place to identify and manage risks, including those relating to fire safety and Legionella management.

There was effective leadership, governance oversight, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Oversight of staff training had been strengthened, while information recorded within dental care records was captured consistently and subject to regular audit.

Leicester Smile Clinic Limited is part of The Smile Clinic Group, a dental group provider. The practice is in Leicester and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There was step-free access to the practice and car parking was available nearby on local roads.

The practice had 4 treatment rooms.

At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 11 staff. During the follow-up off-site inspection, we spoke with the human resources and compliance manager and the 2 principal dentists.

We carried out this announced, on-site inspection on 20 June 2025.

We found the practice had not met all regulations.

The practice had systems to manage risks. However, some improvements were needed to ensure action is taken when risks are identified, in particular relating to fire safety and Legionella.

Recruitment procedures reflected legislation. However, oversight of staff training required improvement.

Improvements were needed to ensure all important information is recorded consistently within dental care records.

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

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

Leicester Smile Clinic Limited is part of Smile Clinic Group, a dental group provider. The practice is in Leicester and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There was step-free access to the practice and on-street car parking was available nearby.

The practice had 4 treatment rooms.At the time of our inspection, the dental team consisted of 2 dentists, 4 dental therapists, 4 dental nurses including 2 trainees, 3 receptionists, 1 additional member of support staff and the practice manager.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, 1 receptionist and the practice manager.

Staff feedback forms were shared with the team ahead of the inspection, giving staff an opportunity to confidentially share their views about the practice. We received a number of responses, which were considered as part of the inspection.

The provider was not complying with Regulation 17 Good Governance. Full details of the regulation 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.