The Dentist

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

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. For example, Staff described the reasonable adjustments they had made to ensure the practice was accessible. The practice was wheelchair accessible; including an accessible toilet with grab rails. The reception desk had been made to a height that could meet the needs a wheelchair user. Large print materials and reading glasses were available for patients with visual impairments. In addition to having a hearing loop. Translation services were provided for patients who did not speak English as their first language, and staff were able to communicate in several languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish and Filipino.

Staff demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of providing emotional support to patients when delivering care. For example, the practice cared for a significant number of nervous patients and had developed a dedicated patient pathway to support them. This pathway began at reception, where a calm and welcoming environment was created, allowing patients the opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions they may have. Nervous patients were also offered longer appointment times and, where possible, were given the choice of which dentist they wished to see.

The practice supported more vulnerable members of society, for example, patients living with dementia or adults and children with a learning disability.

The practice displayed its opening hours and provided information on their website.

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.

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.