- Dentist
Smile Dental Centre
Report from 21 March 2025 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 13 August 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.
Smile Dental Centre is in Basildon, Essex and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is situated on the first floor with step-free access to the rear via a fixed ramp. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.
The practice had 5 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 18 staff, of which there were 5 dentists, including a foundation dentist and a visiting dentist who provided implants, 2 dental nurses, 3 trainee dental nurses, 3 dental hygienists, 4 receptionists and the practice manager. There was also a visiting sedationist. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 receptionists and the practice manager.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our inspection, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 105 patients prior to the inspection. On the day of our inspection, we spoke with and saw patient feedback from a further 8 patients. All patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included, “The best practice I’ve ever been to, I recommend to all my friends and family” and “The dentist is so caring and loving and nothing is too much bother. The nurse is always so helpful. I would never go anywhere else.”
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.
One patient told us, “They listened to my concerns, explained the outcome and treatment clearly and set up the next steps, also congratulated me on stopping smoking.”
Patients said when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.
Patients told us that they were supported to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources.
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.