• Dentist
  • Dentist

Archived: Whyman House Dental Practice

4 Mountfields Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3BQ (01823) 251718

Provided and run by:
Whyman House Dental Practice Limited

Important: The provider of this service changed. See old profile
Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

14 February 2024

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 14 February 2024 under section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions.

We planned the inspection to check whether the registered practice was meeting the legal requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations.

The inspection was led by a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector who was supported by a specialist dental advisor.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:

  • Is it safe?
  • Is it effective?
  • Is it caring?
  • Is it responsive to people’s needs?
  • Is it well-led?

These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.

Our findings were:

  • The dental clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.
  • The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
  • Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
  • The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
  • Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
  • The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
  • Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
  • Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
  • Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
  • The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
  • The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
  • There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
  • Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
  • Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
  • The practice had information governance arrangements.

Background

Whyman House Dental Practice is in Taunton and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 3 dentists, 1 dental hygienist, 3 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and a practice manager (who is also a dental nurse). The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 1receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open: Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm

The practice is closed between 12.30pm – 1.30pm.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, patient cups were made from bamboo rather than plastic, the provider used a ‘zero’ to landfill contractor for managing general waste in the practice and staff could take advantage of the provider cycle to work scheme.

8 January 2014

During a routine inspection

During our inspection we spoke with seven people who used the service. People spoken with were very complimentary about how the service was provided. The provider had bought the practice from another provider in October 2012. One person told us 'it's absolutely fine here, he's (the dentist) very thorough, very professional and is embracing new technology'.

People told us they had recommended the service to others. One person said 'I would recommend her (the dentist) to anybody'. People told us all staff were helpful and polite when they phoned and visited the practice. One person said 'they are very welcoming, very friendly and efficient'.

People told us they could express their views and were given appropriate support and information to make informed treatment choices.

We spoke with two dentists, a hygienist and two dental nurses who were employed by the service. Dental staff had a good understanding of their role in protecting vulnerable adults and children from abuse.

We saw staff followed infection control guidance to ensure people using the service were protected from the risk of acquiring an infection. There were appropriate procedures in place to ensure staff were able to assist people quickly in a medical emergency.

The provider had systems in place to monitor and assess the quality of the service.