The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

The Vernon Dental Practice

35 Hermitage Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1BY

Provided and run by:
Mr. Mark Vernon

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

We carried out this on-site, announced assessment on 22 July 2024. We found the practice had met regulations. The practice had systems to manage risks and the recruitment procedures reflected current legislation. Infection control procedures followed published guidance. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance and patients were treated with dignity and respect. At the time of our assessment, patients could access care, support and treatment when required and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. The Vernon Dental Practice is in Hitchin and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. At the time of our assessment, the dental team included 8 dentists, 5 dental nurses, 1 of whom is also the practice manager, 2 trainee dental nurses, 4 dental hygienists, 1 receptionist and 1 housekeeper. The practice had 6 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 4 dentists, 2 dental nurses and the practice manager.

8 January 2014

During a routine inspection

We looked at the records for three people who used the service. We saw that they all included a record of the person's medical history and the treatment given. We spoke with three people who used the service who were happy with the care and treatment they had received. One person told us, 'I was recommended to come here, it's been very good.'

The service had a safeguarding adults and children from abuse policy. We saw from records that staff had attended training in relation to safeguarding people from the risk of abuse and child protection. We spoke with the provider, the practice manager and three staff who were all clear on how to identify and report any concerns about suspected abuse.

We saw that the service was clean and hygienic. There were systems in place to reduce the risk of infection.

Staff told us that they felt supported. One staff member said, "[The practice manager] is really good and [the provider] is lovely.' We saw from records that they had regular meetings and annual appraisals. We also saw in staff files that their professional development had been kept up to date.

The service had an effective complaints procedure in place. We saw that were they had received a complaint this had been investigated and acted on appropriately.