Dental Health & Aesthetics

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 overseen by a knowledgeable and empowered practice manager and a supportive provider 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. Electronic tablets were used to store signed documents in patient records, this helped to improve data security.

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.

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

Staff feedback was obtained through meetings 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, we were told, “The team are encouraged to share ideas and feedback, and management are open to suggestions that may improve patient care and the overall running of the practice. Staff are kept informed about developments within the practice and we are encouraged to contribute our views.”

The practice gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners, and responded accordingly. Patient suggestions were encouraged and the practice reviewed and responded to feedback.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. This included recycling and conserving energy by turning heating and lights off when not in use. Staff told us, “We’re conscious of turning off lights or switches that are not in use and coordinating our autoclave use with the other surgery to reduce the number of total cycles having to be run. There is a smart energy metre to monitor electricity use.”

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.