Archived: Central Dental Surgery

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, from speaking with people who use the service, speaking with the staff and from looking at records. We spoke with three people after they had had their appointments.

Is the service safe?

For each person risk factors were identified as part of their health assessment. There were also general risk assessments with measures to reduce risk so that the people who used the service and the staff were kept safe. There was emergency contingency equipment and medication to make sure that people were kept safe if there was a health emergency.

The general environment and the surgeries were clean and tidy. There were hand-washing facilities for staff and there were cleaning schedules and decontamination procedures to reduce the risk of infection.

There were enough staff so that they were not rushed and could respond to people calmly. Staff had a range of qualifications and training so that they had the right skills to provide a service and to keep people safe.

The dentist conducted monthly checks to make sure that the service was safe.

Is the service effective?

People's health and needs were assessed and each person had a detailed treatment plan to improve their dental health. People were asked to give their consent to assessment and treatment and signed their treatment plans to show their consent. The three people we spoke with said that they had given their consent to treatment.

The health assessments and dental examinations identified potential risks to people's health. People were given advice to improve their oral health and if necessary a referral was made to another service which could provide support and treatment.

The practice had staff with appropriate qualifications and training including dentists, dental nurses and a receptionist. Staff updated their training so that they had the knowledge and skill to offer effective treatment and advice.

Is the service caring?

We saw that people were treated with respect and dignity by the staff. People came to the reception and were received by staff who were courteous and helpful. People told us that communication was very good and the dentists listened to what they had to say. One person told us that the staff were good at explaining things. The dentists gave people advice about how to prevent problems and manage dental conditions.

There was also written information for people about prevention and some dental conditions. People were supported through advice and their treatment plans to manage their own dental health and wellbeing.

Is the service responsive?

The appointment system was straightforward so that people could access the service easily. We met with one person who had been seen promptly because they needed emergency treatment.

The service was planned to take account of different needs in relation to age, gender, disability, culture and religion. For example the service was available to people of all ages, different genders and cultural backgrounds. The surgeries had level access so that people with poor mobility, including people who used wheelchairs, could visit easily.

People could give their views about the service through questionnaires and where shortfalls or concerns were raised these had been addressed. The service was introducing a feedback system using the 'Friends and Family Test.'

People knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy. Action was taken in response to complaints.

Is the service well-led?

The service had a quality assurance system so that the quality of the service was continually audited and monitored. We saw records, which showed that all checks were taking place and the service provided was safe and of the right quality.

Staff we spoke with were clear about their roles and responsibilities. There was good support for staff. There were regular team meetings and any practice issues were dealt with promptly by the dentists as they arose.