- Dentist
Halton Road Dental Practice
Report from 22 October 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site assessment on 4 March 2025. We found the practice had met regulations. Infection control procedures in place were effective. The practice had effective systems to identify and manage risks. Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. 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. Halton Road Dental Practice is in Runcorn and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. There was step-free access to the practice from the rear of the building and car parking spaces were available near the practice. The practice had 6 treatment rooms. At the time of our assessment, there was a total of 26 staff, of which there were 5 dentists, 4 dental therapists, 9 qualified dental nurses, 5 trainee dental nurses, 2 receptionists and the practice manager. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our assessment, including 4 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 dental therapists, and the practice manager (who was also a qualified dental nurse). The service provides cosmetic treatments, some of which are not in scope of regulation and are not covered in our assessment.
People's experience of this service
Prior to our visit, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 12 patients. Their responses provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Comments included, “Excellent dental surgery, never experienced any issues. Staff always welcoming and professional. High standards of care. Would highly recommend to friends and family in the areas”, “Good service, clean and excellent staff” and “This dental surgery is one of the best I have been to! They are very helpful, clear and polite as soon as you walk through the door. They are very good at helping you book appointments”. 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. 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.