Tavern Street Dental Practice Ltd

Updated 1 October 2024

We carried out this onsite announced assessment on 22 November 2024. We found the practice had met regulations. 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. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance and infection control procedures were in place. The practice had some systems to manage risks. Tavern Street Dental Practice Ltd is in Stowmarket, 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 in pay and display car parks near the practice. The practice had 13 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 1 dentist, 3 dental nurses including 2 trainee dental nurses, 3 receptionists and the practice manager.

Updated 1 October 2024

Two weeks before our onsite assessment, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 6 patients. On the day of our assessment, we spoke with and saw patient feedback from a further 10 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Comments included, ‘The staff were amazing from when I walked in. The dentists, dental nurse and receptionist were so kind and made me feel much more at ease and even checked in on me after when waiting in the waiting room’, ‘It is good to be having regular appointments at the dentist again. All the staff are very friendly’. Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness. 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 when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given. Patients told us that they were supported to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources. 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.