- Dentist
Todmorden
Report from 25 October 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced, on-site assessment on 23 January 2025.
We found the practice had met regulations.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance, and infection control procedures were in place.
There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required.
Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation but were not consistently followed.
The practice had some systems to manage risks effectively. We found improvements should be made to the governance and oversight of systems to assess the risks from sharps, vaccine preventable diseases, medical emergency equipment checks, effective management of legionella and systems to review and investigate incidents and accidents. These were responded to immediately.
Safeguarding processes should be improved to ensure all staff receive adequate training and information to recognise and act on all safeguarding concerns.
The practice is in Todmorden and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was step-free access to the rear of the practice where parking is available by prior arrangement. Additional street and pay and display parking was available near the practice.
The practice had 5 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 administrator and the practice manager.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our on-site assessment, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 6 patients. On the day of our assessment, we obtained patient feedback from a further 2 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included: “Great service, great staff”, “Made me feel comfortable”, “Friendly and informative dentist and hygienist” and “very reassuring and friendly staff”.
Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.
They told us they were able to book appointments within an acceptable timescale for their needs and that they had enough time during their appointment without feeling rushed.
Patients said they were given clear information to help them make an informed choice about their treatment and any associated costs. They were involved in decisions about their care.
Patients also felt they were supported to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources.
The practice shared patient feedback with the team. We were told this was reviewed and where suggestions had been made, appropriate action would be taken.