- Dentist
The Elms Dental Practice
Report from 15 May 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this on-site announced assessment on 28 May 2024. We found the practice had not met all regulations. The practice had systems to manage risks, however there was a lack of effective leadership, and not all risks associated with undertaking of regulated activities had been suitably identified and mitigated. Recruitment procedures did not wholly reflect current legislation and staff training was not up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. Infection control procedures did not entirely follow 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. The practice is in New Milton, Hampshire and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. At the time of our assessment, the dental team included 2 dentists, 5 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist and 1 receptionist. The practice had 2 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse and 1 receptionist. The provider was not complying with 3 regulations. Full details of the regulations 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
Two weeks before our inspection, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. Of the 5 patients that responded, 100% of views they expressed were positive. Comments included: “The service and treatment is exceptional.” And “The practice was clean and tidy and all staff members were friendly and put me at ease, well explained and overall good service.” 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. Staff gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners and demonstrated a commitment to acting on feedback. Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.