University of Bristol Dental School

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this dental school was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The dental school ensured equipment was safe to use and maintained and serviced according to manufacturers’ instructions. The dental school ensured the facilities were maintained in accordance with regulations.

A fire safety risk inspection was carried out in line with the legal requirements.

Emergency lights are required to be inspected annually and certified within the time limits specified by Emergency Lighting (Safety) Regulations 1997. An inspection was due to take place in December 2024. We have since been provided with evidence to confirm that the lights were inspected on 12 March 2025.

The dental school had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment, and the required radiation protection information was available. This included cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and laser equipment.

The dental school carried out risk assessments to minimise the risk that could be caused from substances that are hazardous to health. We noted that the risk assessments and corresponding safety data sheets stored in the dental lab were not stored in an orderly way which may hinder quick access in an emergency. Immediate action was taken, and we were provided evidence to confirm this shortfall has been addressed.

The dental school had implemented systems to assess, monitor and manage risks to patient and staff safety. This included sharps safety, sepsis awareness and lone working.

The dental school had systems for appropriate and safe handling of medicines. Antimicrobial prescribing audits were carried out.

The dental school had a recruitment policy and procedure to help them employ suitable staff. These reflected the relevant legislation.

The dental school ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff had a structured induction, and clinical staff completed continuing professional development required for their registration with the General Dental Council.

The dental school had arrangements in place to ensure staff training was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.

We saw the dental school had effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities.

The dental school appeared clean and there was an effective schedule in place to ensure it was kept clean.

Cleaning schedules were completed for only 2 of the 5 floors of the building. Immediate action was taken, and we were provided evidence to confirm this shortfall has been addressed.

Staff followed infection control principles, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Hazardous waste was segregated and disposed of safely.

We observed the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned with national guidance.

The dental school’s annual infection prevention and control statement was not available. Immediate action was taken, and we were provided evidence to confirm this shortfall has been addressed.

The dental school had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance and the equipment in use was maintained and serviced.

Staff demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes, and we saw single use items were not reprocessed.

We noted that the infection control leads had not carried out any role specific training. Immediate action was taken, and we were provided evidence to confirm this shortfall has been addressed.

Staff had appropriate training, and the dental school completed infection prevention and control (IPC) audits in line with current guidance.

The dental school had procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a bespoke risk assessment.

The dental school had policies and procedures in place to ensure clinical waste was segregated and stored appropriately in line with guidance.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.