Administration

To ensure the smooth running of the practice and allow us to do what we are here to do a great deal of administration is involved, like for any business.

Graham, the practice manager, has responsibility for all these areas, allowing the dentist to do what he needs to do to maintain and develop first class care.

At some points administration and patient care overlap, particularly the appointment and recall systems, but other aspects may be less obvious, particularly if you don't run your own business.

Care Quality Commission

We are now registered with the care quality commission, as must every other dental practice.

You will find that there is more paperwork to complete, so please bear with us when we give you questionnaires. These are required to PROVE that we are listening and responding to your needs and wants.

How our administration affects you

In effect every contact with the practice involves an administrative element, from the initial telephone contact through the decor, appearance, and comfort of the practice, the maintenance and provision of equipment, to re-appointments.

Administration includes making sure the flow of patients is adequate to provide the income to run the practice. This means we need to generate a constant flow of new patients capable of paying for the service we offer. One of the ways is to remind our current patients that we are able to take on people they recommend, and we would be grateful if you keep us in mind if you hear of a friend, relative or work colleague who is looking for some dental care. We think we offer the best and most modern care available, but if others are unaware of us they will never contact.

The ideal is that all aspects of administration run so smoothly that you are hardly aware of it. Unfortunately, with the CQC requirements, you will become aware, and you'll notice it more. This is beyond our control.You'll probably think there must be a good reason for its introduction. To us it is highly questionable.

Should you become aware of something not functioning, we welcome your comments, so that we can address them. Sometimes we are told about things that perhaps irritate some people, but when we ask others they are very happy with the arrangements. For example,a few may say that our monthly new magazines is wasteful, whilst many want to see up to date articles. Likewise, some want lots of information about their treatment, others would prefer to be oblivious.