Updated 6 October 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 28 September 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. We identified minor shortfalls in relation to prescription 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, although this had not always been followed. Required pre-employment checks including references had not always been obtained for new staff.
- 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.
- The providers system to ensure completion of required training and continuous professional development (CPD) required further oversight.
- 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 provider has 2 practices, and this report is about House of Dental. House of Dental is in Hinckley and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The services are provided by two individually Care Quality Commission registered providers at this location. This report only relates to the provision of general dental care provided by Station Road Dental Practice Partnership. An additional report is available in respect of the general dental care services which are registered under Station Road Dental Practice LLP.
The practice has 2 portable ramps to enable step free 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 access requirements.
The dental team includes 2 clinical directors, 9 dentists, 5 qualified dental nurses, 5 trainee dental nurses, 3 dental hygienists, 1 dental therapist, 1 practice manager and 5 receptionists. The practice has 10 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 clinical director, 2 dentists, 2 qualified dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Thursday from 8am to 7pm.
Friday from 8am to 5.30pm.
Saturdays by appointment only.
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.
- Improve the practice’s protocols for medicines management. In particular, improve the security of NHS prescription pads in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor their use.
- Implement practice protocols and procedures to ensure staff are up to date with their mandatory training and their continuing professional development.