Western Avenue Dental Practice

During an assessment under our new approach

We undertook a follow-up on-site assessment on Friday 21 February 2025. This was carried out to review the actions taken by the registered provider to improve the quality of care and to assess whether the practice was meeting legal requirements. We had previously undertaken an announced on-site assessment of Western Avenue Dental Practice on 1 August 2024. We had found the registered provider was not providing well-led care and was in breach of regulation 17, Good Governance of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. During our follow-up assessment, we found the practice had met regulations. The practice had developed their systems to manage risks effectively and ensured that the recruitment procedures reflected current legislation. Infection control procedures followed published guidance and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. Western Avenue Dental Practice is in East Acton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice was not wheelchair accessible, but systems were in place to signpost patients to other local dental practices if required. The practice had 2 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with the principal dentist, a newly recruited dental nurse, and the receptionist.

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During an assessment under our new approach

We carried out this on-site announced assessment on 1 August 2024. We found the practice - had not met all regulations. The practice had systems to manage risks. However improvements were required. Patients were treated with dignity and respect and their care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance. At the time of our assessment, patients could access care, support and treatment when required. There was, however, a lack of effective leadership and not all risks associated with the carrying on the regulated activities had been suitably managed. Improvements were needed to ensure the required recruitment documentation was obtained at the point of employment in line with the relevant legislation. The systems and processes in place to support trainee staff were not effective. The practice is in Acton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. At the time of our assessment, the dental team included 1 dentist, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist, 1 dental therapist and 1 receptionist. The practice had 2 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with the dentist, the trainee dental nurse, the dental hygienist and the receptionist. The principal dentist and receptionist carried out the practice management duties. The provider was not complying regulation 17 Good governance. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the quality statement section of the report. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.

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