- Dentist
Western Avenue Dental Practice
Report from 9 May 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this on-site announced assessment on short notice on the 1 August 2024. We found the practice had not met all regulations. The practice had systems to manage risks. However improvements were required. 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 support trainee staff were not effective. The practice is in Acton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. At the time of our assessment, the dental team included 1 dentist, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist, 1 dental therapist and 1 receptionist. The practice had 2 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with the dentist, the trainee dental nurse, the dental hygienist and the receptionist. The principal dentist and receptionist carried out the practice management duties. The provider was not complying regulation 17 Good governance. 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.
People's experience of this service
A weeks before our visit, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. 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, ”..good staff all round and easy process..”, “The dentist explained things step by step”. 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. Improvements were required with regard to responding to online feedback provided by patients. Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.