- Dentist
Waterer Dental Care Leek
Report from 11 November 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site assessment on 20 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 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 service provides non-surgical cosmetic treatments, some of which are not in scope of regulation and are not covered in our assessment. The practice is in Leek, Staffordshire and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. There was no step free access to the practice due to the location. Patients were signposted to local accessible services if wheelchair access was required. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, were available near the practice. The practice had 3 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist and 2 receptionists who were also acting practice managers at the time of our assessment.
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 17 patients. On the day of our assessment, we received patient feedback from a further 13 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Comments included, “The care and attention given to everyone is second to none. The moment you walk through the door you receive a friendly welcome and are instantly put at ease. It is obvious from the start that the team is well trained and know exactly what they have to do and how to care for the patient”, “I have been a patient of theirs for many years now and am totally satisfied with all aspects of their service” and “I have used this practice for many years and have found them a first class professional organisation”. 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.