• Dentist
  • Dentist

Victoria Square Dental Practice

1 Victoria Square, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1HQ (01744) 22595

Provided and run by:
Victoria Square Dental Practice Limited

All Inspections

16 November 2022

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 16 November 2022 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 adviser.

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 was visibly 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 help them manage risk to patients and staff.
  • 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.
  • The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
  • Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
  • Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
  • The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
  • There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
  • The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

My Dentist – Victoria Square – St Helens is in St Helens, Merseyside and provides largely NHS and some private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is accessed from street level by 2 flights of stairs. This means it is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs and those with reduced mobility. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice in a pay and display car park. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs. For example, there is a portable hearing loop available for those with hearing difficulties.

The dental team includes 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses, one of whom is a trainee, and a practice receptionist. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, 2 dental nurses, and a receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday by appointment only.

23 November 2012

During a routine inspection

We spoke with two patients who had received treatment at the practice on the day of our inspection. We were told they were satisfied with the dental treatment they had received. They said the dentists they saw were considerate and treated them with respect. One patient said "Clear explanations are always given including the charges and options for treatment.'

All the patients we spoke with said it was easy to get an appointment. One person told us 'the surgeries are clean but the area on the stairs is not in good condition.'

Another patient said 'I am always offered protective clothing when I am having treatment.'

Patients told us the dentists clearly communicated to them what their treatment options were including any potential side effects. Details about charges were provided before any decisions on treatment were made. This meant that patients were able to make informed decisions about which treatment option was best for them.

20 March 2012

During a routine inspection

We spoke with people who use the service. They were happy with the care and treatment provided. When asked what they thought of the service patients responded:

"I like it here",

"It's always nice and clean",

"They always ask about my health",

"I don't like the machine that they use to polish my teeth so the dentist does it by hand'

They commented the practice was clean and tidy and they liked the fact that they were usually not kept waiting very long for their appointment.

They liked the attitude of the staff