Friars Street Dental Practice

Judgements

• Safe

  Not all regulations met

• Effective

  Regulations met

• Caring

  Regulations met

• Responsive

  Regulations met

• Well-led

  Not all regulations met

Our view of the service

We carried out this onsite announced assessment on 11 October 2024. We found the practice had not met all regulations. Safeguarding processes were not in place and staff did not know their responsibilities for safeguarding. Medicines and prescriptions were not managed in line with current guidance. Recruitment procedures did not always reflect current legislation. Leadership was not always effective. Systems to support a culture of continuous improvement and development were not established. Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance and infection control procedures were in place. There was scope for improvement with the practice’s systems to manage risks. Friars Street Dental Practice is in Sudbury, Suffolk and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. There was step free access to the practice and car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, were available near the practice. The practice had 6 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 2 dentists and the specialist orthodontist, 5 dental nurses including 4 trainee dental nurses and 2 receptionists. The provider was not complying with 4 regulations. Full details of the regulations the provider was not meeting are within the quality statement section of the report. In instances where CQC have decided to take civil or criminal enforcement action against a provider, we will publish this information on our website after any representations and/or appeals have been concluded.

People's experience of this service

Patient feedback received during the assessment provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. 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 they were supported to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources. While the people we spoke to expressed that they were happy with their care, our assessment found there were regulations that were not met.