Northern Smiles

On this page

• Overview
• Person-centred Care
• Care provision, Integration and continuity
• Providing Information
• Listening to and involving people
• Equity in access
• Equity in experiences and outcomes
• Planning for the future

We found this practice was providing responsive 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 Person-centred Care is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

The judgement for Care provision, Integration and continuity is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

The judgement for Providing Information is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

The judgement for Listening to and involving people is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

Staff had carried out a disability access audit and had an action plan to continually improve access for patients.

Staff described the reasonable adjustments they had made to ensure the practice was accessible. The practice had access to visual aids to support patients with impaired vision. The practice had a hearing induction loop to support patients with a hearing impairment. The practice was wheelchair accessible with step-free access and ground floor surgeries. Staff had access to language translation services, including British Sign Language.

Staff were clear about the importance of providing emotional support to patients when delivering care.

The practice supported more vulnerable members of society, such as patients living with dementia or those with a learning disability. The team prided itself on being a dementia-friendly practice, having undertaken additional training in this area. As a result, changes had been implemented to better support patients; for example, the introduction of clearly marked signage. For patients with additional needs, such as autism, the practice took steps to help them feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment, such as offering a sticker on arrival to help ease anxiety and create a welcoming experience.

The practice displayed its opening hours and provided information on their website, patient information leaflet and social media page.

The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

The practice provided telephone numbers for patients needing emergency dental treatment during the working day and when the practice was not open.

At the time of our inspection, patients who needed an urgent appointment were offered one in a timely manner. When the practice was unable to offer an urgent appointment, they worked with partner organisations to support urgent access for patients.

Staff were involved in local health schemes, including working with nurseries and offering kids clubs to support children’s oral health. They have fluoride application initiatives in place, with trained staff addressing increased needs following local practice closures that left a gap in children’s care for 2–3 years. The practice is also considering delivering training to care home staff to further support vulnerable patients.

The judgement for Equity in experiences and outcomes is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.

The judgement for Planning for the future is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Responsive key question.