Updated 1 December 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 22 November 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 adviser.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it caring?
• Is it responsive to people’s needs?
• 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. Infection prevention and control update training was overdue for 2 staff, this was completed within 24 hours of this inspection.
- 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 and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
The provider has 155 practices and this report is about Mackworth dental practice.
Mackworth dental practice is in Derby and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice is located on a residential road and patients are able to park unrestricted on the road at the front of the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 4 dental nurses (including 3 trainee dental nurses), 1 dental hygienist, 1 dental therapist and 2 receptionists. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 1 dental nurse, 1 receptionist, the practice manager and a compliance manager from Rodericks. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Develop systems to ensure an effective process is established for the on-going assessment, supervision and appraisal of all staff. Including the training, learning and development needs of individual staff members at appropriate intervals.