University of Bristol Dental School

Updated 12 March 2025

We carried out this on-site announced inspection on 27 and 28 February 2025. 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 occupies a 5-storey building in the city centre of Bristol. The school offers a range of services such as teaching, clinical training and research. These activities underpin the delivery of dental services and general oral health improvement of the communities it serves. It has been purposely designed so that oral care is delivered primarily by students who are supervised by registered dental care professionals. All treatments provided are free for adults and children. The school hosts 412 undergraduate and 60 postgraduate oral health students and has 119 treatment chairs. At the time of our inspection, the team consisted of 68 dentists, 4 oral surgeons, 4 orthodontists, 2 endodontists, 2 periodontists, 2 prosthodontists, 5 paediatric dentists, 2 special care dentists, 3 consultants in restorative dentistry, 7 dental therapists, 3 dental hygienists, 1 orthodontic therapist, 5 GDC registered technicians, 2 dental laboratory assistants, 3 dental radiographers, 22 qualified dental nurses, 15 trainee dental nurses, 16 patient administrators, 1 member of support staff, 4 sterilisation technicians and 3 members of the dental school management team.

During our visit we spoke with 2 clinical lecturers, 2 dental radiographers, a clinical senior lecturer, the head of dental nursing, deputy head of dental nursing, a lead dental nurse, a dental nurse, and a sterile services supervisor. We also spoke with the clinical co-director, who is the registered manager, the senior school manager, clinical governance and patient experience manager, dental clinical services manager, senior facilities and technical managers.

Updated 12 March 2025

Two weeks before our inspection, we asked the dental school to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 7 patients. On the day of our inspection, we obtained the views of a further 22 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the dental school.

Comments included, “I have been receiving treatment for some time from the dental students I find them all extremely friendly sociable and knowledgeable and the support given to them by their professors is excellent.”

“I had a root canal done here and every appointment I had, I felt so relaxed. My student helped me so much and was so lovely and professional.”

“I have nothing but praise to sing and thank you from bottom of my heart for restoring my trust in dentists and my smile.”

“The Dental School in Bristol is in a beautiful new building. On my first visit I was met with friendly smiley and helpful faces. The whole place has a great atmosphere. I was seen almost instantly by my dental therapist who oozed warmth, positivity and care. They guided their students with encouragement, praise and professionalism. Their passion in what they do is breathtaking.”

Patients felt able to book appointments within an acceptable timescale for their needs and said they had enough time during their appointment without feeling rushed.

They were involved in decisions about their care and commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.

Patients told us that when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.

The dental school shared patient feedback with the team. We were told this was reviewed and where suggestions had been made, appropriate action would be taken.