Updated 9 May 2024
We had previously undertaken a comprehensive inspection under our previous methodology of Drakes Dental Care - Ribbleton on 9 May 2023 under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. We found the registered provider was not providing well-led care and was in breach of regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. We carried out a subsequent follow up inspection on 2 February 2024 and found a number of improvements had been made, however the provider was not providing well-led care and was found to still be in breach of regulation 17. We undertook a follow up off-site assessment on 16 October 2024. This assessment was carried out to review the actions taken by the registered provider to improve the quality of care and to confirm that the practice was now meeting legal requirements. We found the practice had met regulations. There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. Drakes Dental Care - Ribbleton is part of Smart Dental, a dental group provider. The practice is in Preston in Lancashire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. There is ramped access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice is located close to local transport routes and car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements. The practice had 5 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with the practice manager, the Group Operations Manager and the Clinical Compliance Manager.