- Dentist
Friar Street Dental Practice
Report from 17 September 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this on-site, unannounced assessment on 9 October 2024. We found the practice had not met all regulations. Maintenance of premises and equipment was not undertaken at recommended intervals. Recruitment procedures did not follow current legislation. Staff training was not up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. Infection control procedures did not entirely follow published guidance. There was a lack of effective leadership, and not all risks associated with undertaking of regulated activities had been suitably identified and mitigated. The practice is in Reading and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice was based on the first and second floor of a shared building. Patients were advised of this when they contacted the practice. The practice had 5 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with a dentist, a dental nurse, a receptionist and the practice manager. The provider was not complying with all regulations. Full details of the regulations the provider was not meeting are within the quality statement section of the report. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.
People's experience of this service
On the day of our assessment, we obtained the views of 21 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. 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. Three out of 21 patients told us that they did not know how to complain should they have an issue. While the people we spoke to expressed that they were happy with their care, our assessment found there were regulations that were not met.