- Dentist
The Dental Group - Southampton
Report from 13 August 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this on-site, announced assessment on 31 October 2024. We found the practice had met regulations. Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and 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. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance and infection control procedures were in place. We found minor shortfalls in appropriately assessing and mitigating risks in relation to environmental cleaning oversight and cleaning equipment storage arrangements, sharps, fire safety signage, medical emergency equipment and control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH). All of these were acted on immediately. This service is registered with CQC under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 in respect of some, but not all, of the services it provides. There are some exemptions from regulation by CQC which relate to particular types of regulated activities and services, and these are set out in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. The service provides surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, some of which are not in-scope such as certain facial aesthetics procedures. The practice is in Southampton and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. There was step free access to the practice and car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, were available outside the practice. The practice had 4 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse, 2 student dental nurses, the practice marketing coordinator, external compliance lead and the registered manager.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our onsite assessment, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 40 patients. Comments included staff are always very professional and helpful. They are good and friendly. I have been with them for a while, and they are always accommodating. Staff are always polite and friendly. Hygiene levels are very good. Always give good advice for maintaining your teeth. I could not ask for a better experience at the dental group. On the day of our assessment, we obtained the views of a further 8 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness. Patients felt able to book appointments within an acceptable timescale for their needs and said they had enough time during their appointment without feeling rushed. Patients told us 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 told us that when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given. 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.