• Dentist
  • Dentist

The Sandford Dental implant and cosmetic centre

306 Broadway, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 8AA (020) 8303 4077

Provided and run by:
Bexleyheath Dental Practice Limited

All Inspections

8 August 2023

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 8 August 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. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
  • The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment, and the premises.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Background

The Sandford Dental Implant and Cosmetic Centre is in Bexleyheath in the London Borough of Bexley and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The dental team includes 2 principal dentists, 8 associate dentists (specialists in implants, periodontics and orthodontics), 8 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 dental therapist, 1 practice manager, 1 operations manager, 1 general manager, 1 clinical director, 2 treatment coordinators, 1 administrator, 1 member of support staff and 3 receptionists. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 3 associate dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 receptionist, 1 treatment coordinator, the operations manager, the general manager and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures, and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

9am to 5.30pm Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays

9am to 7.30pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays

9am to 4.30pm Saturdays

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

  • Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken and data sheets maintained.
  • Take action to ensure audits of radiography are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service. Practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.

1 August 2013

During a routine inspection

People told us they were very happy with the treatment they received, and some people who said they were nervous about receiving dental treatment told us they were always put at ease. People told us the dentists kept them well informed of their condition and they were provided with appropriate information to allow them to make an informed decision. We heard that treatment options were clearly explained and subsequent costs were always highlighted in advance. One person told us "I couldn't wish for better". Another person said "I have no issues at all". People said they found it easy to get an appointment and that the surgery was flexible with timings. They told us they felt the surgery was clean and that dentists and nurses always wore personal protective equipment when they received treatment.

We found that people were provided with enough information and advice, and they were provided with options to meet their needs. People received treatment only after an examination of their needs, and they had a treatment plan which met the options they had chosen. We found people's medical history was checked to ensure they received safe and appropriate treatment. The surgery was clean, and the procedures and practice reduced the risk of the spread of infection. Staff were adequately supported through induction, training professional development and performance reviews. We found the provider maintained appropriate records and these were stored securely.