Updated 9 January 2023
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 20 December 2022 under section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. We planned the inspection to check whether the registered practice was meeting the legal requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations. The inspection was led by a Care Quality Commission, (CQC), inspector who was supported by a specialist dental advisor.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment we usually ask 5 key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following 3 questions were asked:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The dental clinic was visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership; we saw that leaders were open and welcomed feedback from staff and patients.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
Glenlyon Dental Healthcare is in Accrington, Lancashire and provides NHS care and treatment for children and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
Access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs is possible. Staff can provide help to navigate a small step at the entrance to the practice. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.
The dental team includes the principal dentist, 2 dental nurses,1 of whom is a trainee, and 3 dental hygienists. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, the lead dental nurse and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm.