Updated 23 December 2024
We undertook a follow-up on-site assessment on 24 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 Friars Street Dental Practice on 11 October 2024. We had found the registered provider was not providing safe or well-led care and was in breach of Regulation 12: Safe care and treatment, Regulation 17: Good governance, Regulation 18: Staffing and Regulation 19: Fit and proper persons employed of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
During our follow-up assessment, we found the practice had not met all regulations.
There was scope for improvement with the practice’s systems to manage risks.
Recruitment procedures did not always reflect current legislation.
Infection control procedures followed published guidance.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect.
At the time of our assessment, we found that patients could access care, support and treatment when required.
Effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement was not embedded.
The practice is in Sudbury, Suffolk and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, were available near the practice.
The practice had 6 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 1 dentist and a receptionist.
The provider was not complying with 1 regulation. 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.