Updated 1 July 2024
We carried out this on-site unannounced assessment on 5 July 2024. We found the dental school had met regulations. The dental school had systems to manage risks. Infection control procedures followed published guidance. There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. The University of Bristol Dental School is in Bristol and provides free dental care and treatment for adults and children. Treatment is carried out by university dental students who are supervised by qualified clinicians. At the time of our assessment, the dental team consisted of 55 dentists, 4 oral surgeons, 2 orthodontists, 2 endodontists, 2 periodontists, 1 orthodontic therapist, 3 dental radiographers, 5 paediatric dentists, 1 special care dentist, 2 consultants in restorative dentistry, 5 dental technicians, 5 clinical dental assistants, 4 sterilisation technicians, 22 dental nurses, 5 student dental nurses, 3 dental hygienists, 5 dental therapists, 17 administrators, 3 dental school management staff, 1 support staff and 9 visiting staff. The dental school had 119 treatment chairs. During the assessment we spoke with the sterile services manager, head of nursing, deputy head of nursing, school manager, clinical governance and patient experience lead, facilities manager, 4 members of the university support team and the registered manager.