Archived: Tooth Booth Boston

At that inspection we found that the provider had not taken the necessary action to ensure patients and others were protected from the risk of healthcare associated infections and there was insufficient safe and suitable equipment available. Staff were not supported to provide care and treatment to patients to an appropriate standard. Records were not stored securely.

As a result of that inspection we asked the provider to take action to address the issues on which we had concerns.

At this inspection we spoke with two dentists, two trainee dental nurses and a receptionist. The practice manager was not available on the day of our visit but we spoke with them subsequently.

We saw that the provider had taken the appropriate measures to help ensure that patients and others were protected from the risk of healthcare associated infections and sufficient equipment was available.

We found the provider had put in place processes and procedures to ensure that staff were appropriately supported. Training had been undertaken and a system for staff to receive appraisal had been introduced.

One patient told us the reception and waiting area were not nice. They said, 'There are not many seats and the seats are hard. People have to stand.'

We saw people had access to information leaflets on different procedures such as fillings and extractions. There were advice leaflets on good oral hygiene with guidance on tooth brushing and flossing. Information leaflets were available in several languages to meet the needs of the local population.

We looked at infection control and cleanliness in all areas of the practice. We found overall the practice was not clean.

We spoke with three patients. They all told us they knew how to make a complaint. One person said, 'If I was unhappy I would speak to the receptionist.'

We saw dental records were stored in room that was not locked and was accessible by members of the public. This meant patients personal dental records were not stored securely

We spoke with a person who was attending for the first time. They told us, 'Staff are very friendly and polite. They made it a positive experience.'

People told us they found the practice clean. One person said, 'It's very hygienic, they wear gloves and all the equipment looks clean and sterile.'

We saw staff training records. Staff were provided with face to face and e-learning programmes. We saw staff had received training in core subjects such as fire, infection control, data protection and health and safety.

People told us they were happy with the care and treatment they had received. One person said, 'My brother told me to come here. I would recommend it to my friends. They are very good.'