- Dentist
Great Cornard Dental Practice
Report from 14 October 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site assessment on 27 January 2025. We found the practice had not met all regulations. Safeguarding processes were in place but not all staff were aware of their responsibilities for safeguarding. Recruitment procedures did not always reflect current legislation. Leadership was not always effective. Systems to support a culture of continuous improvement and development were not established. 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. There was scope for improvement with the practice’s systems to manage risks. Great Cornard Dental Practice is in Great Cornard, Sudbury, Suffolk and provides NHS and 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 near the practice. The practice had 2 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 receptionist and one support advisor. The provider was not complying with 2 regulations. Full details of the regulations the provider was not meeting are within the assessment findings below. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.
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 1 patient. On the day of our assessment, we spoke with and saw patient feedback from a further 7 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Comments included, ‘I went to have a tooth removed after not accessing a dentist for 2 years due to fear. I was met with kindness and reassurance. I had the tooth removed in just a few minutes and for the first time I am happy to return to the dentist for the rest of my treatment needed’. 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. While the people we spoke to expressed that they were generally happy with their care, our assessment found there were regulations that were not met.