- Dentist
Hebden Bridge Dental Care
Report from 10 September 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site assessment on 17 December 2024. 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. The practice had systems to manage risks. 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 and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. However, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and checks of Hepatitis B immunity for clinical staff were not consistently carried out at the point of employment. The practice is in Hebden Bridge and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children, and NHS care for children. There was a ramp at the rear of the premises to enable wheelchairs access. However, the practice did not have any treatment rooms on the ground floor due to the risk of flooding. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, were available near the practice. The practice had 4 treatment rooms. At the time of the assessment there were 23 staff members. During the assessment we spoke with 3 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 receptionist 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 3 patients. Their responses and additional patient feedback we reviewed provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Patient comments included, “The care I have received at this dental practice has been excellent”, “I have always been treated with dignity and respect” and “The practice is always immaculate”. 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. Patients told us that 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.