- Dentist
South West London Urgent Dental Care
Report from 19 November 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site assessment on 5 February 2025. We found the service had met regulations. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance, and infection control procedures were in place. There were effective systems to identify and 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. South West London Urgent Dental Care works alongside NHS 111 services (non-emergency number medical helpline), and other national pathways groups. The service provides access to patients with urgent dental problems who are unable to access commissioned NHS dental services. The service is in the London Borough of Croydon and provides urgent NHS dental care and treatment for adults and children. The service operates from an NHS community centre and shares the facilities with other healthcare providers. There was step-free access and car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, available near the service. The service had 3 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with the clinical director, the practice manager, the head dental nurse and another dental nurse, who also worked as a receptionist.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our on-site assessment, we asked the service to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We did not receive any feedback from patients. On the day of our assessment, we spoke with and saw patient feedback from 4 patients and reviewed patient feedback collected directly by the service. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the service. Comments included, “The dentist and dental assistant were very good and showed kindness.” Another patient said, “The receptionist who greeted me was so welcoming and kind and the dentist and nurse were understanding and patient with me." 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. One patient gave feedback which said, “Amazing service, seen promptly, dentist and nurse very reassuring, explained everything clearly, cannot praise enough.” 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. The service shared patient feedback with the team. We were told this was reviewed and where suggestions had been made, appropriate action would be taken.