The Dental Abode

On this page

• Overview
• Shared direction and culture
• Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders
• Freedom to speak up
• Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion
• Governance, management and sustainability
• Partnerships and communities
• Learning, improvement and innovation

We found this practice was providing well-led 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 Shared direction and culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Freedom to speak up is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The practice had a governance system that was undergoing transition following recent changes in the management structure which included a compliance advisor who had recently joined the company to support the practice. They had policies and procedures which were being reviewed and updated and were being shared with staff.

Some systems and processes were not fully embedded although the inspection did not highlight any significant issues or omissions. Where the inspection identified areas which required improvement, these were acted on immediately demonstrating their capacity and a commitment to improve the service for both staff and patients.

Staff were aware of the importance of protecting patients’ personal information. Staff password protected patients’ electronic care records complied with General Data Protection Regulations. They provided an electronic device for patients to update their medical history and record their consent to treatment.

There were effective processes for identifying and managing risks, investigating incidents and accidents, and for receiving and acting on safety alerts.

The practice had systems and processes for learning, quality assurance and continuous improvement. This included undertaking audits according to recognised guidance.

Concerns and complaints were responded to appropriately, and outcomes were discussed to share learning and for improvement. We saw that information for patients on how to complain was displayed in the patient waiting area.

Staff had clear responsibilities, and systems of accountability to support good governance.

Staff feedback was obtained through meetings, a digital chat, and informal discussions. They were encouraged to offer suggestions for improvements to the service, and they said these were listened to and acted upon, where appropriate. Some staff told us how they had been kept informed about the planned refurbishment of the practice and how they were excited about this.

The practice gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners, and responded accordingly.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, by the use of digitalised patient records, a governance portal and recycling.

The judgement for Partnerships and communities is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Learning, improvement and innovation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.