Toothbeary

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 significant 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. The practice acknowledged the limited availability of similar specialist services nationally and responded by establishing a dedicated team with appropriate qualifications to treat children. The waiting area was designed as an interactive play space to help put young patients at ease, while the prevention spa featured stations where children could demonstrate and develop their tooth brushing techniques. Most dental chairs were completely flat, having been assessed as more suitable for children’s posture and comfort during treatment. All procedures were carried out with a minimum of two dental nurses present, ensuring that dental instruments were concealed before, during, and after treatment to help minimise anxiety among young patients. Patients undergoing treatment with relative analgesia (inhalation sedation) were offered a choice of gas scent, enhancing comfort and patient experience. Non-clinical areas were also fragranced to help mask clinical odours and create a more welcoming environment.

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 suggested the introduction of digital treatment plans and consent forms. The practice implemented a new client record management system as a result. Clinical staff requested “emergency bells” in each room to call for assistance and this was swiftly actioned. In addition, the practice had introduced a Mental Health First Aider who received specialised training to support and guide staff. All staff had access to an Employee Assistance Programme offering 24-hour support including counselling, legal services and an online health portal.

The practice gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners, and responded accordingly. For example, there were parent and children suggestion boxes and annual patient feedback surveys.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, recycling initiatives were implemented, and efforts were made to reduce the use of single-use plastic items wherever possible. Digital treatment plans and consent forms helped reduce the use of paper and printer ink.

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.