Mark Kent Dental Surgery

On this page

• Overview
• Kindness, compassion and dignity
• Treating people as individuals
• Independence, choice and control
• Responding to people’s immediate needs
• Workforce wellbeing and enablement

We found this practice was providing caring services 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.

Staff treated patients with kindness, respect and compassion. We observed positive interactions between staff and patients both in person and on the telephone. Staff displayed an understanding of patients’ needs and showed warmth and compassion to patients.

We spoke with 4 patients. Patients consistently provided positive feedback about their long-term experience with the practice, with some having been registered for 35+ years. Key themes included trust, continuity of care, and confidence in clinical decision-making. Patients described the practice as welcoming and professional, with helpful reception staff and an overall supportive team environment. Access to appointments was reported as straightforward, with reliable scheduling and helpful reminders for 6-monthly check-ups and hygiene visits. Clinical care was strongly praised, particularly the preventive approach taken by clinician. Patients highlighted that treatment options were clearly explained, including risks and benefits, supporting informed consent and decision-making. Several noted that only necessary treatment is recommended, with a focus on prevention.

Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. One patient told us, “I always receive excellent service, communication and treatment from the team, from the front of house team to [the dentist] himself. [The dentist] is always extremely thorough during my dental visits, listening to what I have to say and ensuring that I fully understand and agree with any proposed treatment plans. I always feel he puts me first over simply ‘making money’ from the service he provides. I have always been very happy with the results of my dentistry and believe that the price I am charged is fair and reflective.”

Patient comments included that staff were welcoming and attentive, acted with integrity, and showed compassion. One patient commented, “I have been using the service for around 4 years and have received excellent care. I am never kept waiting, the premises are pleasant, bright and comfortable. The staff are competent, friendly and helpful. The dental care is excellent. [The dentist] is highly skilled, explains in detail the treatment in advance, keeps me informed as he is working and is extremely attentive throughout. His nurse is experienced and attentive.”

Patients said staff were professional, courteous, and considerate. Another patient said, “My family and I have been visiting [the dentist] for our dentistry services for many years. He has always been kind and patient especially with the children. He painstakingly explains everything that he is doing to make them feel comfortable.”

Patients felt they were treated as individuals, and their personal and cultural needs were respected. One patient said, “When undergoing the treatment itself, it is explained to me as I go through it. When I’m in the chair, I know exactly what to expect, what is happening, what I might be experiencing and how far through it we are. This is very reassuring as a patient and puts me completely at ease.“

People received care from staff who were aware of their responsibility to respect people’s diversity and human rights, and of the importance of privacy and confidentiality.

Staff felt respected, valued and supported in their roles, and their wellbeing was supported.

The judgement for Treating people as individuals is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.

The judgement for Independence, choice and control is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.

The judgement for Responding to people’s immediate needs is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.

The judgement for Workforce wellbeing and enablement is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Caring key question.