Garstang Dental Referral Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

We found this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Assessing needs is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Effective key question.

The provider had systems to ensure that people who used the service received person-centred, care and treatment, that was appropriate, met their needs and was reflective of their personal preferences. Preventive oral health care was encouraged.

Staff kept up to date with current evidence-based practice, and had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.

The practice provided access to specialist treatments through a referral-based system, ensuring patients with complex or advanced care needs were directed to appropriate services for effective care.

Dental implant procedures were available at the practice, with staff obtaining consent and using the necessary equipment to support safe implant placement.

A specialist orthodontist also conducted patient assessments in line with recognised guidance from the British Orthodontic Society.

Staff could access a clinical dental technician and had an onsite laboratory which was registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The clinical dental technician ensured that all patients had been referred appropriately by a dentist prior to completing examinations and inspections.

Staff obtained patient consent in line with legal requirements and demonstrated understanding of their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Where appropriate, relatives or carers were involved, and treatment options were clearly explained.

A review of patient care records showed the information recorded generally aligned with recognised guidance. However, previous audits had identified areas for improvement, and the actions taken had not resulted in sustained changes. An audit carried out immediately prior to the inspection highlighted similar issues and we were informed that this had been reviewed and that a plan would be implemented to support the necessary changes.

We saw evidence the dentists justified, graded and reported on the radiographs they took.

The practice had systems for the safe handling and prescribing of medicines.

Staff felt the practice supported them to develop and enabled them to take on responsibilities.

Staff were actively involved in local community initiatives, such as supporting 'Garstang in Bloom' and contributing to the town’s Christmas lights. Their participation reflected a commitment to supporting and engaging with the local community.

The judgement for How staff, teams and services work together is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Effective key question.

The judgement for Supporting people to live healthier lives is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Effective key question.

The judgement for Monitoring and improving outcomes is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Effective key question.

The judgement for Consent to care and treatment is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Effective key question.