Updated 5 April 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 8 March 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 usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three 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 appeared to be 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. Risk assessments were available where satisfactory evidence of conduct in previous employment (reference) requests had not been responded to.
- 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.
- 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.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
The provider has 147 practices and this report is about Beanhill Dental Practice.
Beanhill Dental Practice is in Beanhill, Milton Keynes 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. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.
The dental team includes two dentists, two dental nurses (including one trainee dental nurse), two dental hygienists, a practice manager and one receptionist. The practice has two treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with one dental nurse, one receptionist and the practice manager, we also spoke with the Head of Clinical Compliance for Rodericks Dental who attended this inspection. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday from 8.30am to 7pm and Tuesday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm. The practice is closed daily between 12.30pm and 1.30pm for lunch.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, where possible items were recycled, staff were instructed to turn the power off to equipment and lighting when not in use.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
Take action to ensure audits of radiography and infection prevention and control are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service and implement practice protocols.