- Dentist
Links Associates Ashton Ltd
Report from 30 April 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this on-site announced assessment on 9 July 2024. We found the practice had met regulations. The practice had systems to manage risks. Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation. Infection control procedures followed published guidance. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance. Patients were treated with dignity and respect. At the time of our assessment, patients could access care, support and treatment when required. There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. The practice is in Ashton-under-lyne, Greater Manchester and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The dental surgery is located within another CQC registered dental practice. At the time of our assessment, the dental team included 1 orthodontist, 1 orthodontic therapist, 2 qualified dental nurses (1 of which is also the receptionist) plus 1 practice manager. The practice had 1 treatment room. During the assessment we spoke with the orthodontist, the orthodontic therapist, 2 dental nurses and the practice manager.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our assessment, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. Their responses and additional patient feedback we reviewed provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Patient comments included: “Always friendly. Reception staff are helpful and nothing is too much trouble”, “Very professional. All the staff are very kind and helpful” and “Very efficient, friendly and empathetic”. All of the views expressed by patients were positive. 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. Staff gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners and demonstrated a commitment to acting on feedback. Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.