Direct Dental Hygienists Limited

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 included policies and procedures, which were accessible to staff and were reviewed on a regular basis.

Systems and processes were embedded, and the inspection did not highlight any issues or omissions.

Staff were aware of the importance of protecting patients’ personal information. Staff password protected patients’ electronic care records, and paper records were stored securely and complied with General Data Protection Regulations.

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 noted innovative approaches to providing person centred care. For example, the practice team were active participants in the local community and regularly created an oral health themed window display. This was supplemented with information and advice provided within the practice. There was a picture gallery of previous health promotions providing a multitude of areas for patient education which related to the prevention of gum disease with both oral and other health advice. The seasonal and monthly displays included areas such as information to educate and assist patients’ oral health. For example, Mouth Cancer Awareness month, Fresh Breath Day and Christmas Sleigh Decay. The topics that were covered on the windows, were then followed through to the patient information packs given out to patients, this included information such as think before you drink, tooth erosion leaflets, sugary drinks leaflets and samples of toothpaste.

The practice often donated oral health cleaning items such as toothpaste to local charities and children’s education and care services such as Crisis at Christmas.

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

Staff feedback was obtained through meetings, surveys, 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. For example, staff commented, “Whenever I have an idea with regards to the smooth running of the practice or any improvements we can make, [the provider] takes them on board. We always work as a team.”

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, reducing the use of paper for printing by having electronic patient records and governance systems, recycling and conserving energy by turning heating and lights off when not in use and reducing their electronic and heating footprint wherever possible.

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.