The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

West Heath Dental Practice

181 West Heath Road, West Heath, Birmingham, West Midlands, B31 3HD (0121) 475 3545

Provided and run by:
Dr. Andrew Murphy

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

We carried out this announced on-site assessment on 16 January 2025. We found the practice had met regulations. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance, and infection control procedures were in place. The practice had systems to manage risks. Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. 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 Birmingham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. Due to the layout of the building the practice was not fully accessible for those with disabilities or mobility issues. Treatment rooms were on the first floor; however, the provider had made reasonable adjustments within their control. The practice had 3 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 1 dentist, 3 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, and the practice manager.

4 March 2014

During an inspection in response to concerns

We undertook this inspection in response to concerns received about the care and treatment of a person who had used the service. The person had been involved in a serious incident and the provider had not provided a timely or adequate response to our request for further information.

Our visit was discussed and arranged with the provider in advance so that we had time to see and speak to staff working at the practice, as well as people registered with the practice. We took a specialist dental advisor with us to assist with the inspection.

During our visit we met and spoke with the registered manager, the principal dentist and a dental nurse. We also spoke with three patients that were attending appointments on the day of our visit. The people that we spoke with were satisfied with the service that they had received at the practice and told us that they would recommend it to others. One person who had received treatment at the practice told us, 'He [The dentist] explains everything to me. He tells me to come back if not comfortable or not right.' Another person told us, 'They are brilliant.'

We found that care and treatment provided at the practice was safe. The serious incident that we had been alerted to had been an isolated one and related to a recognised complication to the dental treatment being provided. The treatment received by the person and clinical management of the complication had been appropriate. However, the person involved in the incident described a lack of calmness in the way the incident had been managed causing them additional distress.

The provider had an effective complaints system and complaints received about the service were responded to appropriately.

1 March 2013

During a routine inspection

Our visit was discussed and arranged with the dental practice a few days in advance. This was to ensure that we had time to see and speak to staff working at the practice and people who were registered with the service.

On the day of our visit, we spoke with the provider (who was also a dentist), four dental nurses, the practice manager and the registered manager. We observed two patient consultations. Following our visit, we spoke with eight people by telephone that were registered with the practice to ask them about their experiences of the service.

People that used the practice were very positive about the service they received. People told us that staff were polite and put them at ease. They told us how they were given enough information about different treatment options and fees to make an informed decision about the treatment they received. Their comments included: 'I would recommend them to anyone; they are very, very good' and 'When you walk in you get a nice welcome. They remember who you are.'

We found that staff received regular training so that they had up to date knowledge and skills to treat people safely. There were effective systems in place to minimise the risk of infection and overall monitoring arrangements at the practice helped ensure people received a quality service.