An inspection of Ashbury Dental Care in Budleigh Salterton has found the practice is ‘safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs and well-led’.

The Care Quality Commission carried out the inspection in February and has just published its report.

The private practice, in East Budleigh Road, was formerly run by Dr Maurice Sims, but was taken over by Todays Dental Practices in May 2023.

The CQC’s findings were:

• The dental clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.

• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.

• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.

• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.

• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.

• The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.

• Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.

The inspectors noted that ‘there was effective leadership and a culture of improvement’, and ‘staff felt involved and worked as a team’.

They also reported that the practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability, with recycling points throughout the practice, solar roof panels and recyclable cardboard drinking cups for patients.