The New Chestnuts Dental Practice

During this inspection we found the provider had taken appropriate actions to address the shortfalls we identified at our previous inspection.

We saw the practice had refurbished the decontamination rooms and implemented systems to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Department of Health's - Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices (HTM 01-05). The practice demonstrated they now had effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection for the safety and protection of patients.

We spoke with four members of staff who were able to describe the systems implemented since the last inspection. We saw records which corroborated this including 'spot check' records which demonstrated compliance with the required standards as outlined in HTM 01-05.

On the day of our visit we spoke with seven patients and four children who were complimentary about the practice. All felt they were treated with respect and dignity and they received an excellent service. All seven patients told us they were informed about the treatment alternatives and possible outcomes of the treatment offered.

One person told us "this is an excellent practice I've been coming for years and so have all the family". Another person told us "the hygienist's very helpful and kind'. Two other patients told us they had no concerns and were very happy with the practice. The children we spoke with told us they "didn't mind the dentist". One parent gave us a good example of how the dentist's ensured communication was age-appropriate and how they encouraged children and young people with good dental habits and hygiene.

Two patients we spoke with told us all the staff were aware of patient's anxieties when visiting the dentist and did their best to alleviate them. All seven patients we spoke with felt safe, confident and comfortable with the practice staff.

We observed the decontamination practices did not meet the requirements as set out in the Department of Health's - Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices (HTM01-05).

Patients told us they could make an appointment at times that suited them, and reminders were sent in their preferred form. For example text message or phone calls. They told us they were aware of the emergency number and had always been able to get an appointment within 24 hours.

The practice had access for patients with mobility issues and wheelchair users through the front of the building. Once in the practice there were facilities on the ground floor to provide all the services offered by the practice.

We saw effective systems were in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided.

People told us that they could make appointments easily. One person was pleased to have been able to make an appointment immediately when they experienced toothache. We were told that medical histories were taken and updated regularly and that aftercare advice was provided.

Staff were aware of their responsibilities to safeguard children and vulnerable adults. This is particularly important given that dentists at the practice make domiciliary visits to older people at local care homes.