- Dentist
Thayer Street Dental Centre
Report from 31 July 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this on-site, announced assessment on 7 August 2024. We found the practice had met regulations. The practice had systems to manage risks. Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation. Infection control procedures followed published guidance. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance. Patients were treated with dignity and respect. At the time of our assessment, patients could access care, support and treatment when required. There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. We noted innovative approaches to providing person centred care. For example, the practice had embedded a holistic approach to delivering dental care. One of the dentists was a trained reiki practitioner and offered sessions to patients experiencing dental phobia. Staff told us about numerous cases where this treatment had greatly assisted patients who were nervous and anxious to receive treatments without other interventions. Thayer Street Dental Centre is part of Bupa Dental Care a dental group provider. The practice is in the London Borough of Westminster and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. At the time of our assessment, the dental team included 8 dentists (including 2 oral surgeons, an orthodontist, endodontist and periodontist), 5 dental nurses, 3 dental hygienists, a practice manager, a treatment coordinator, an administrator and 3 receptionists. The practice had 5 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 3 dentists, 1 dental nurse, 1 receptionist, the treatment coordinator, and the practice manager. We also spoke with the area support manager and the area quality improvement lead.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our visit, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 4 patients. Their responses and additional patient feedback we reviewed provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Patient comments included ‘excellent standards of care and treatment’, ‘consistently excellent service’, ‘professional service’, ‘wonderful caring staff team and friendly, and helpful receptionists’. Patients told us that the practice looked clean, and equipment appeared to be in a good state of repair. At the time of our assessment, the patients felt there were enough staff working at the practice. They were able to book appointments when needed. Patients told us they were involved in decisions about their care were given clear information to help them make an informed choice about their treatment and any associated costs. Patients told us that when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given. Patients said that they were supported to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources. Patients could access care and treatment from the practice within an acceptable timescale for their needs. They had enough time during their appointment and did not feel rushed.