South West London Urgent Dental Care

On this page

• Overview
• Shared direction and culture
• Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders
• Freedom to speak up
• Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion
• Governance, management and sustainability
• Partnerships and communities
• Learning, improvement and innovation

We found this service was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Shared direction and culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Freedom to speak up is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The service had a governance system that included policies and procedures, which were accessible to staff and were reviewed on a regular basis. Systems and processes were embedded, and the assessment did not highlight any significant issues or omissions. Areas requiring improvement were acted on immediately. Staff were aware of the importance of protecting patients’ personal information. Staff password protected patients’ electronic care records, and paper records were stored securely and complied with General Data Protection Regulations. There were effective processes for identifying and managing risks, investigating incidents and accidents, and for receiving and acting on safety alerts. The service had systems and processes for learning, quality assurance and continuous improvement. This included undertaking audits according to recognised guidance. Feedback from patients was collected and responded to. Concerns and complaints were responded to appropriately, and outcomes were discussed to share learning and for improvement.

The service had carried out scientific research into urgent dentistry which had been published in notable dental journals. Leaders at the service had also delivered lectures on urgent dentistry to a wider dental audience. Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. The service had a peer mentoring system in place, where senior dentists observed junior dentists while treating patients and were soon to introduce a system where junior dentists would observe senior dentists. Staff had clear responsibilities, and systems of accountability to support good governance. Staff feedback was obtained through appraisals, meetings and informal discussions. They were encouraged to offer suggestions for improvements to the service, and most staff said these were listened to and acted upon, where appropriate. For example, staff had raised concerns about security within the service and the leadership team organised scenario training and offered personal alarms to all staff. The service had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, lights were turned off when not in use and staff recycled materials when possible.

The judgement for Partnerships and communities is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Learning, improvement and innovation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.