A DENTAL practice in Bridgwater has been ordered to improve its standards following damning criticisms from a health watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission has ordered the ADP Dental Company Ltd to improve the care given at its surgery on East Quay following an inspection.

During the visit in March, inspectors found the site was failing to meet regulations on consent to care and treatment, care and welfare, infection control, safeguarding arrangements, safety and suitability of premises and support to staff.

Ian Biggs, from CQC, said: “ADP Dental Company has failed to ensure its staff are properly trained to meet the standards required by law.

“That is a particular concern in a practice which treats so many vulnerable people and relies so heavily on agency staff.

“One dentist told us they had worked with around 25 different dental nurses over the last year.

“Some nurses had not received any mandatory training for some time including training in medical emergencies, infection control and safeguarding.

“Staff told us they had relied on the one qualified nurse at the practice for advice and guidance, which increased the pressure on this dental nurse's workload. “ADP has assured us they are now taking action to address these issues.”

The CQC has warned legal action may be taken against ADP if standards at the surgery do not improve.

In a statement, the ADP Group admitted it had ‘fallen short’ of its expected requirements.

A spokesman said: “Our organisation always uses its best endeavours to ensure our practices operate to the very best standard of patient care.

“We are very disappointed this site has fallen short of the expected requirements. We accept the outcomes of the CQC report.

“A focused team of experienced staff from across our organisation have been working hard in the weeks since the inspection to rectify the concerns identified.

“Training has been provided to all staff on safeguarding children, vulnerable adults and the Mental Capacity Act.

“We have improved our infection control procedures and we are implementing induction procedures for any agency staff used by the practice.”