Practice Quality Policy

Our practice aims to provide dental care of a consistent quality, for all patients. We have management systems to help us and which define each practice member's responsibilities when looking after you.

In proposing treatment we will take account of your own wishes. We will explain options, where appropriate, and costs, so that you can make an informed choice. We will always explain what we are doing.

We will do all we can to look after your general health. We will ask you about your general health, and about any medicines being taken. This helps us to treat you safely. We keep all information about you confidential.

Infection control is also essential to the safety of our patients. Every practice member receives training and updates in the systems of infection control.

We screen all patients for mouth cancer at routine checkups. We ask patients about tobacco and alcohol use because they increase your oral cancer risk.

Practice working methods are reviewed regularly with staff updates.

We ask patients for their views on our services. We have a system for dealing promptly with patient complaints and for ensuring that lessons are learnt from any mistakes that we make.

The Dentist, Hygienist and the registered Dental Nurses take part in continuing professional education, meeting the General Dental Council's requirements. We aim to keep up to date with current thinking on all aspects of general dentistry, including preventive care which reduces your need for treatment.

All staff joining the practice is given training in practice wide procedures. Once a year, there is an individual review of training needs for everyone in the practice.

All members of the practice know of the need to ensure that the dentist is working safely. In the unlikely event that the dentist in this practice becomes unfit to practice, we have systems to ensure that concerns are investigated and, if necessary, acted upon.[1]

The Practice

The practice is located in the centre of Paignton at 13 Dendy Road. We have two modern, well equipped surgeries; both are on the ground floor and are accessible to all patients. Our aim is to provide high quality dental care to all our patients; NHS and Private.

Appointments

Appointment are always necessary. These can be made in person or by telephone. Our receptionists are normally available from 8.30-1pm & 2pm-6pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30-1pm & 2pm-4.30pm on a Friday. Our dentist is usually present every weekday. We try to contact patients to remind them of their appointment during the preceding 48 hours either by telephone or by post.

Please note that this service is intended as a courtesy and patients have ultimate responsibility to remember their own appointments. Please note sometimes we do have to cancel appointments and will try to give you as much notice as possible in these instances and would ask for your understanding.

Violence & Abuse

Violent or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated in this practice. Any patient who is violent or abusive to practice staff will have their treatment terminated immediately. NHS dentists working in the surrounding areas will also be informed that your behaviour has resulted in your treatment being withdrawn.

Emergencies

If you require emergency treatment during surgery hours, please try to contact the reception staff before 10am to allow the maximum flexibility in arranging an appointment. If you require emergency treatment outside of the normal working hours please use the link on the home page for further details.

Complaints

We attempt to provide the highest standards of care at this practice. However if you feel that we have fallen below this standard and wish to make a complaint please to the receptionist in the first instance, your details will be taken along with the reason for your and our practice manager will contact you as soon as possible.

Our full complaints policy is available in the patient information book on the surgery reception

Contact details for NHS England South

The Area Team (Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire,Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly)

Their contact details are:

Mr Andrew Harris
Regus House,
Emperor Way,
Exeter.
Ex1 3QS

Data protection; Frequently Asked questions:

What information do we hold about you?

• Your name, address and date of birth
• Why you need care and treatment
• Records of when you were seen and the treatment provided
• Medical history

Who can see my information?

• Those who provide you with care in order to treat you most appropriately
• Administration staff in order to manage to practice.

Do we share your information with other people?

Sometimes we need to talk to your GP or other organisations to make sure you receive all the care you need. We will always inform you before we talk to them.

In exceptional circumstances we may have to disclose some information without your consent where there is legal justification for doing so such as informing other dentists of violent patients.

Practice Commitments

Our surgery adheres to the General Dental Council's guidance, Standards for the Dental Team.

Standards for the dental team

• We aim to provide dental care of consistently good quality, for all patients.
• We will only provide care that meets your needs and wishes.
• We will aim to make your treatment as comfortable and convenient as possible.
• We will look after your general health and safety while receiving your dental care.
• We will check for mouth cancer and tell you our findings.
• We follow the Department of health and the British Dental Associations guidelines on Infection Control.
• We take part in continuing professional development to keep our skills and knowledge up to date.
• We train all staff in practice wide work systems and review training plans regularly.
• We welcome feedback and deal with any complaints promptly.
• All members of the practice know of the need to ensue that dentists are working safely.