Lowton Dental Centre

During an assessment under our new approach

We undertook a follow-up on-site assessment on 15 January 2025. 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 assessment of Lowton Dental Centre on 6 August 2024. 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 assessment, we found the practice had met regulations.

The practice had systems to manage risks.

Infection control procedures followed published guidance.

Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance.

There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.

However, we noted further improvements were necessary to ensure recruitment procedures were consistently adhered to.

The practice is in Lowton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There was portable ramp access to the practice and car parking spaces were available near the practice.

The practice had 6 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse and the practice manager.

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During an assessment under our new approach

We carried out this on-site announced assessment on 6 August 2024.

We found the practice had not met all regulations.

The practice had ineffective systems to manage risks. In particular, risks associated with fire, legionella and radiation.

Although recruitment procedures reflected current legislation, improvements could be made to ensure these were consistently followed.

Improvements could be made to leadership and oversight to ensure a culture of continuous improvement is embedded.

The practice did not have effective systems to review and investigate incidents and accidents.

However, infection control procedures followed published guidance.

Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance.

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

The practice is in Lowton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

At the time of our assessment, the dental team included 1 orthodontist, 1 endodontist, 2 dentists, 1 foundation dentist, 1 foundation dental therapist, 1 dental hygienist, 1 orthodontic therapist, 5 qualified dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 receptionist and the practice manager. The practice had 6 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 2 dentists, 1 dental nurse, 1 trainee dental nurse and the practice manager.

We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the quality statement section of the report.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.

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