Approach Dentistry

Updated 3 May 2024

We carried out this announced on-site assessment on 5 July 2024. We found the practice had not met all regulations. Infection control procedures were broadly in line with published guidance. Patients were treated with dignity and respect and their care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance. At the time of our assessment, patients could access care, support and treatment when required. There was, however, a lack of effective leadership and not all risks associated with the carrying on the regulated activities had been suitably managed. Improvements were needed to ensure the required recruitment documentation was obtained at the point of employment in line with the relevant legislation. The systems and processes in place to monitor staff training were not effective. The practice is in Hendon, in the London Borough of Barnet and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. At the time of our assessment, the dental team included, the principal dentist, 4 associate dentists, 4 qualified dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 3 part-time hygienists and 3 receptionists. They were supported by an external dental compliance manager. The practice had 6 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with the principal dentist, 1 associate dentist, 1 qualified dental nurse, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 receptionist and the compliance manager. The provider was not complying with all regulations. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the quality statement section of the report. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.

Updated 3 May 2024

Two weeks before our inspection, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received 12 positive feedback on care from people who used the service. They commented that the care they received was excellent, appointments were on time, staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the premises were clean. On the day of inspection, we collected feedback from 4 people who used the service. The feedback we received was overall positive; patients felt that booking an appointment was easy, the practice waiting area and surgeries appeared clean, staff were professional, and patients felt involved in decisions about their treatment. 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.