- Dentist
Towngate Dental Practice
Assessment report published 6 August 2025
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 27 June 2025.
We found the practice had met regulations.
Infection control procedures in place were effective.
The practice had effective systems to identify and manage risks. The practice should review the protocols for conscious sedation.
Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation but were not consistently followed.
There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our inspection, could access care, support and treatment when required.
Safeguarding processes were in place and effective. Staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding, and we saw concerns were highlighted and acted on.
The practice is in Leyland, Lancashire and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children, and NHS care for children.
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 4 treatment rooms.At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 22 staff, of which there were 7 dentists, 2 dental therapists, 7 dental nurses (including 1 trainee), 3 receptionists and the practice manager. A consultant-led mobile sedation company attended to provide sedation as required. An implant dentist also attended as required.
We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 4 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 1 receptionist 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 18 patients. On the day of our inspection, we obtained feedback from a further 11 patients. These and additional patient feedback we reviewed provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included:
“Excellent care and Attention to detail. Staff are fantastic. Friendly, helpful and go the extra mile.”
“Excellent service quick and efficient. Staff all very friendly and welcoming.”
“I was referred to this practice by my local dentist for specialist treatment. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others or indeed come again now or in the future.”
“Receptionists are very friendly and efficient, always cheerful, know people by first name, makes you feel at ease.”
“The quality of care is fantastic. Before coming here I was quite a nervous patient but at Towngate they put you at ease and make you feel very looked after.”
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.
Patients told us that 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.