Freedom of Information Act

This is a guide to the information made available to the public from Ethos Dental Care under the Freedom of Information Act publication scheme. Information covered by this scheme is only about the general dental services we provide under the National Health Service Act 2006.

Classes of Information

This guide outlines the classes of information that we publish, which is divided into seven categories:

1. Who we are and what we do

2. What we spend and how we spend it

3. What our priorities are and how we are doing

4. How we make decisions

5. Our policies and procedures

6. Lists and registers

7. The services we offer

The main sources of information referred to below are found on the Practice Information Leaflet, available at the practice or you can download it from here. This publication scheme will be reviewed and updated where relevant, at least annually.

Class 1: Who we are and what we do

Ethos Dental Care is a provider of NHS and private dental care. Currently we have a patient base of over 2500 patients, mainly from the Stockport and Manchester area. However some patients travel from all over the country and even the world to see our very experienced team of clinicians and dental care professionals.

Details of our practice, dentists, and the specific services that we provide, together with opening hours and staff details are all detailed in the Practice Information Leaflet (see above) and the website. The organisational structure is available from the practice. (126 Wellington Rd North, Heaton Norris, Stockport, Manchester SK4 2LL Tel: 0161 477 5142)

Class 2: What we spend and how we spend it

We invest within the practice so we offer the best overall service we can. We look to Professional Associations to stay in tuned with market leaders and execute best practice. We proactively look for ways in which we can evolve and improve the service we provide. We find that technology is a help and not a hindrance. Examples of this include, purchasing an Automatic External Defibrillator so we can effectively diagnose and treat life threatening cardiac arrhythmias through the application of electrical therapy. Immediate defibrillation can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved. Investing in training and equipment which can potentially save a life is essential to patient welfare which we have a genuine vested interest in. We have a rotary endodontic system and use digital radiography. This facilitates effective patient care and provides the lowest risk of ineffective treatments.

We have recently updated our appointment booking system by offering patients the ability to book routine examination appointments entirely online offering flexibility, transparency and simplicity.

Class 3: What our priorities are and how we are doing

Our priorities are to help you achieve a healthy mouth and an attractive smile. We want you to be able to smile with confidence and to provide you with the essential knowledge to keep your teeth and gums in a healthy condition.

The results of regular patient feedback surveys are audited and used to identify any further practice training and improvements we can make. Testimonials and reviews are available on the website.

The results of inspections carried out by the Care Quality Commission are available from the CQC website. They are also displayed in the reception area at the practice.

Class 4: How we make decisions

The dental practice is owned by Dr Simon Li and the future direction of the practice is determined by his vision and past experience. He does welcome comments or suggestions that patients, staff or colleagues may offer and final decisions are made at his discretion.

Class 5: Our policies and procedures

Copies of the following policies and procedures are available on request from Dr Simon Li :- Equal Opportunity policy; Health & Safety policy; Confidentiality and Data protection policies; Polices and Procedures for handling requests for information.

Our complaints procedures are included within our Patient Information Leaflet and displayed in the reception area of the practice.

Class 6: Lists and registers

There are currently no publicly available lists or registers.

Class 7: The services we offer

The Patient Information Leaflet provides details of the specific services available, opening hours, specific information for NHS patients and complaints procedures.

NHS and private charges are displayed at the practice.

For any clarification of the charges please call 0161 477 5142 and a member of our team will be happy to discuss these with you.