Updated 19 April 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 27 February 2023 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 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 appeared clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Medicines and equipment to handle medical emergencies, except for an in-date medical oxygen cylinder and face mask with reservoir tubing were available as per current guidance.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. We found minor shortfalls in assessing and mitigating risks in relation to life-saving equipment and medicines management.
- 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. However, improvements were required in regards to recording verbal references.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.The provider made immediate arrangements to mitigate the risks from lack of appropriate medical emergency equipment. Following the inspection, we were sent evidence that the out of date equipment had been replaced.
Background
The Dental Surgeons is a dental surgery in the City of Westminster and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is located on the 1st floor of a building with no lift and is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. There is another dental practice which operates from the ground floor in the same building and arrangements are in place to use the surgery for those patients in wheelchairs and mobility problems. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes 3 dentists and 3 dental nurses. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists and 3 dental nurses. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday 0845 – 1730
Tuesday-Thursday 0830 – 1730
Friday 0930 – 16:00.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.
- Take action to ensure the availability of equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
- Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored and dispensed of safely and securely.
- Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.