The Dental Sanctuary

Judgements

• Safe

  Regulations met

• Effective

  Regulations met

• Caring

  Regulations met

• Responsive

  Regulations met

• Well-led

  Regulations met

Our view of the service

We carried out this announced onsite assessment on 1 October 2024. We found the practice had met all regulations. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance, and infection control procedures were in place. The practice had systems to manage risks. Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and 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. The practice is in Salford, Greater Manchester and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. There was no step-free access to the practice. However, car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, were available near the practice. The practice had 2 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 2 dentists and 3 dental nurses.

People's experience of this service

Three weeks before our onsite assessment, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 13 patients. On the day of our assessment, we saw patient feedback from a further 144 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Comments included, “Very welcoming, very clean, very professional, very courteous,” “Really good service, so informative and helpful, always willing to go over and beyond of patients” and, “The staff made me feel very comfortable and at ease, explained everything with complete clarity.” Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness. 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. Patients told us 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. Patients told us that when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given. Patients told us that 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.