- Dentist
71 Dental
Report from 25 October 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced, on-site assessment on 29 January 2025.
We found the practice had met regulations.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance, and infection control procedures were in place.
The practice had effective systems to identify and manage risks.
Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation. However, some evidence was lacking to show these were consistently followed. Action was taken immediately after the assessment to address this.
There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required.
We noted innovative approaches to providing person-centred care. In particular, their proactive approach to safeguarding. Staff knew how to identify adults and children at risk of significant harm and demonstrated how they worked with other agencies to protect them.
The practice is in Leyland, Lancashire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. They also provide NHS minor oral surgery that does not require hospital treatment for patients in central Lancashire. Postgraduate dental trainees working under consultants also provided oral surgery care.
There was step-free access to the front and a portable ramp to the rear of the premises from the car park. A pay and display car park was located at the rear of the building, with additional street and time-limited parking available nearby.
The practice had 14 treatment rooms and 37 staff members. They are a foundation training practice. Foundation dentists and therapists work in approved practices, supported by general dental practitioners who are appointed as educational supervisors. During the assessment we spoke with 2 dentists, 3 foundation dentists, the consultant oral surgeon, the dentist mentor, dental nurses, a treatment coordinator, receptionists and the practice manager.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our on-site assessment, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 4 patients. On the day of our assessment, we received patient feedback from a further 12 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included: “Friendly and welcoming staff, appointments run on time”, “Staff were absolutely delightful, very knowledgeable and friendly”, “Absolutely wonderful service. Dentist and nurse very thorough and explain everything”, “Absolutely fantastic surgery who go above and beyond at every visit. Always immaculately clean”, “The care I have received is absolutely faultless”, and “Every single member of staff from reception through to consultants are highly professional, take time to discuss my care, answer questions and always treat me as an individual and with respect.”
Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.
They told us they were able to book appointments within an acceptable timescale for their needs and that they had enough time during their appointment without feeling rushed.
Patients said they were given clear information to help them make an informed choice about their treatment and any associated costs. They were involved in decisions about their care.
When they were prescribed medicines, patients felt that sufficient information was given.
Patients also felt they were supported to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources.
The practice shared patient feedback with the team. We were told this was reviewed and where suggestions had been made, appropriate action would be taken.