23 January 2014
During a routine inspection
Patients made positive comments about their experience of treatment at the dental practice. We were told the practice was very responsive when patients were in pain and needed emergency treatment. For example, a patient said “I’ve had the odd emergency and they’ve got me in quickly”. Patients attending the specialist clinic comments highlighted the caring attitude and expertise they were receiving. For example, one patient told us other dentists elsewhere had been unable to provide root canal treatment due to their medical history, but at this practice they had received “exemplary care”. Another patient said “I was petrified of going to the dentist, but the dentist here has put me at ease and is wonderful”.
Information about fees, treatment plans and medical history was discussed with patients. For example, we met two patients returning for further treatment which they told us had plan before they left the dentist at the first appointment. Both patients verified their questions about when fees were answered in a respectful way by the staff. Patients we spoke with on the telephone remarks included “Fees are always discussed up front so I know how much it will cost”.
The practice had systems in place which meant patients were safe and well cared for. Patients described the environment and equipment used as being “spotless” and staff were “very professional”. We saw decontamination and cleaning procedures followed national guidelines, which meant equipment was safe to use on patients. We highlighted an area for improvement around safe water systems.
The provider was compliant with five outcomes we looked at. We highlighted areas for improvement around recruitment practice to ensure a consistent approach was taken.