Dental 397

Updated 23 February 2026

We carried out this announced, on-site inspection on 5 May 2026.

We found the practice had not met all regulations.

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 had safeguarding processes, and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding.

Staff obtained patients’ consent to care and treatment in line with legislation and guidance.

Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation.

We found shortfalls in appropriately assessing and mitigating risks in relation to the control of substances hazardous to health and emergency medicines.

The practice did not have an appropriate risk assessment in place for fire safety.

Although there are issues to be addressed, the impact of our concerns relates to the governance and the oversight of the risks, rather than a patient safety risk.

The practice is in Exeter and provides 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, near the practice.

The practice had 2 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 6 staff, of which there were 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses and 1 dental therapist. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses and 1 dental therapist.

The provider was not complying with Regulation 17 Good Governance. 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.

Updated 23 February 2026

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 21 patients. On the day of our inspection, we spoke with and saw patient feedback from a further 5 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.

Patients commented the team were friendly, put patients at ease and 1 patient commented they ‘have always been impressed with the level of professionalism’. Another patient commented ‘they are reliable, open and honest’.

Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness. One patient commented the practice was ‘very professional and clean’.

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 commented ‘the treatments are explained well’.

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.