Cleveland Terrace Dental Practice

Updated 20 August 2024

We carried out this announced, on-site assessment on 24 September 2024. We found the practice had not met all regulations. The practice did not have systems to manage certain risks. Recruitment procedures did reflect current legislation however they were not always followed. Medicines and prescriptions were not always managed in line with current guidance. Leadership was not always effective and there was an inconsistent approach to continuous improvement. However, infection control procedures followed published guidance and patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance. Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required. Cleveland Terrace Dental Practice is in Darlington and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. There was step free access to the practice via a portable ramp and car parking spaces were available near the practice, including dedicated parking for disabled people. The practice had 5 treatment rooms and a total of 21 staff. During the assessment we spoke with 4 dentists, 1 dental nurse, 1 receptionist, and the practice manager. The provider was not complying with all regulations. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the quality statement section of the report. We found this practice was not always providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations which are highlighted below. We will be following up on our concerns to ensure they have been put right by the provider. Once the shortcomings have been put right, the likelihood of them occurring in the future is low. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.

Updated 20 August 2024

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 45 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Comments included, “lovely staff fab service”, “wouldn’t want to go anywhere else”, “best dentist I’ve ever had”, “their service is personalised”, “met by happy smiling staff”, “their diagnosis and treatments have been excellent at all times”, “go above and beyond to fit you in if you need to be seen” and “first class service”. 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 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. While the people we spoke to expressed that they were happy with their care, our assessment found not all regulations were met.