The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Whittaker Dental Practice

86 King Street, Basford, Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1JB (01782) 636686

Provided and run by:
Mr. John Whittaker

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

We carried out this on-site, announced assessment on 14 October 2024. We found the practice had met regulations. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance, and infection control procedures were in place. The practice had systems to manage risks. Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required. The practice is in Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. There was step free access to the practice and car parking spaces near the practice. The practice had 1 treatment room. During the assessment we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse, 1 receptionist and the practice manager.

During a check to make sure that the improvements required had been made

This review was carried out as a result of evidence provided that improvements had been made to the recruitment procedures and practice at the dental practice. The review did not include a visit to the practice. Documentary evidence that action had been taken to ensure staff were of good character and suitable to work with vulnerable people was provided.

We judged that the service now has robust recruitment procedures in place.

26 September 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with five people who had attended the dental practice on the day of the inspection and all of the staff. We reviewed care records and other documents, and observed how people were supported to make decisions and choices about their dental treatment. People told us they were very happy with the care that they received. One person told us, 'I have every confidence in this dentist. He is approachable, considered and most of all good at what he does". Another person told us that they were, 'Very impressed with the practice. Everyone is friendly and I would recommend it to others. My whole family come here'.

People told us they were involved in the planning of their treatment and they had opportunities to discuss their treatment options. They told us they were treated with dignity and respect. One person told us, "They are always very friendly and treat me with the utmost respect". We observed people were communicated with in a professional and friendly manner.

During our inspection we saw the practice was clean and tidy. Staff explained the procedures they followed to ensure equipment and instruments were decontaminated, cleaned and sterilised. We saw suitable arrangements were in place.

We saw that the provider needed to make improvements to the recruitment and selection procedures to ensure new staff were suitable to work.

Audits of the service were carried out regularly to ensure that the quality of service provided was maintained or improved.