- Dentist
Ledbury Dental Care
Report from 10 March 2025 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site assessment on 25 February 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
The practice systems to manage risks and infection control procedures required strengthening.
There was no 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 assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required.
The practice is in Ledbury and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice was not accessible for patients who used wheelchairs as there was no step-free access to the practice and the treatment room was on the first floor. The provider informed new patients of these restrictions.
The practice had 2 treatment rooms. At the time of our assessment there was total of six staff. In addition to the practice owners (dentist and manager), the practice had 1 employed nurse. Other staff were self-employed and part-time: a receptionist with flexible times and two hygienists at 1 day a week each. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our assessment, including the dentist, the dental nurse and the practice manager.
The provider was not complying with 2 regulations. Full details of the regulations the provider was not meeting are within the assessment findings below.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our on-site assessment, 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 assessment, we spoke a further 2 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included, “Very helpful office staff. Really good dental care, both from the dentist and hygienist. Proactive in preventing tooth and gum decay. Provide excellent advice for dental care” and “Very welcoming. Patient and good at explaining what they are doing. Very good at putting you at ease”.
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.
While the people we spoke to expressed that they were generally happy with their care, our assessment found there were regulations that were not met.