Archived: Lodge Causeway Dental Centre

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection when we sought information about people's experience and gained views from patients, the staff who supported them and from looking at records.

Is the practice safe?

People told us they felt safe attending the dental practice. We saw a risk assessment relating to the use of radiation for the taking of x-rays. There was guidance for staff to follow to ensure this was safe. Medicines for use in the event of emergency were checked regularly to ensure they were not out of date and staff had received training in administering the medicines and use of the automatic external defibrillator.

Is the practice effective?

The practice responded to suggestions for improvement made by patients. Staff received appropriate training and annual appraisal that identified their training and development needs. The practice website was informative and patients said the dentist explained treatment options and talked through dental treatment processes with them.

Is the practice caring?

Patients told us they felt their privacy was respected. They praised the staff for the way they treated them. Patients told us they were asked to give consent before treatment commenced. Arrangements were made to ensure that patients whose first language was not English could give informed consent. Staff showed a good understanding of issues around consent.

Is the practice responsive?

Patients told us it was easy to register with the practice, get an emergency appointment or change appointments. Where the practice was unable to treat a patient they were referred to other providers. The practice treated complaints seriously and managed them well.

Is the practice well led?

Patients and staff told us the practice was well led. Staff talked about team working and there was an 'open door' culture in the practice. Staff meetings were held regularly and there was a commitment to providing a consistently good service. The practice took feedback from patients seriously. During our inspection we saw the practice manager making a list prompted by our discussions. These were not related to shortfalls in practice but, things the practice manager felt needed attention. This showed the practice manager was pro-active in seeking to develop the practice.

The practice manager wrote to us on 27 November 2012. We were informed that all staff had now completed on line training in child protection and safeguarding vulnerable adults. We were sent copies of their certificates as evidence and we no longer have concerns.