- Dentist
Ivydene Dental Practice
Assessment report published 28 September 2026
Contents
On this page
- Overview
- Learning culture
- Safe systems, pathways and transitions
- Safeguarding
- Involving people to manage risks
- Safe environments
- Safe and effective staffing
- Infection prevention and control
- Medicines optimisation
Safe
We found this practice was providing safe care in line with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.
Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.
Learning culture
The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.
Safe systems, pathways and transitions
The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.
Safeguarding
The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.
Involving people to manage risks
The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.
Safe environments
Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. They felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and this was reflected in our findings.
Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.
Emergency equipment and medicines were checked but improvement was needed. In particular, glucagon in fridge, temperature exceeded 2-8 degrees C action to correct this was not evident. Size 0-4 Clear face masks were not available. We have since received evidence to confirm these shortfalls have been addressed.
Staff providing treatment to patients under sedation had also completed immediate life support training.
The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely.
We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.
The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment, and the required radiation protection information was available. (If applicable) This included cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and laser X-ray equipment.
The practice managed fire safety well, and fire exits were clear and well signposted.
An oxygen warning sign was not in place at the practice entrance. External emergency lights were not included in the testing and servicing processes. We have since received evidence to confirm these shortfalls have been addressed.
The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines.
NHS prescription pads were kept securely, and a log was in place to monitor and track their use.
Safe and effective staffing
The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff, including agency or locum staff.
The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.
Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.
Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were enough staff on duty at all times.
Staff demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.
The practice ensured staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. Improvements should be made to ensure safeguarding training is carried out at the level appropriate to the staff role. We have since received evidence to confirm this shortfall has been addressed.
There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, one-to-one meetings, during clinical supervision, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.
Staff felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.
Infection prevention and control
The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.
Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.
Staff used personal protective equipment and decontaminated dental instruments after use, in line with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single-use items were not reprocessed.
The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance.
The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste.
Cleaning equipment was not stored apart to prevent cross contamination. COSHH safety data sheets were not available for the out of hours cleaner. Hazardous cleaning materials were not secure or the area signed appropriately.We have since received evidence to confirm these shortfalls have been addressed.
Equipment was maintained and serviced in line with manufacturers’ instructions.
The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.
Medicines optimisation
The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.