Archived: Watermead Dental Centre

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 18 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.

The provider took over control of the practice six weeks prior to our visit and was working through an improvement action plan. The findings in this report acknowledges this.

Our findings were:

• The dental clinic appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
• Improvements to infection control procedures were needed.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• 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.
• 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.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• Staff felt involved and 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 dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

Watermead Dental Centre is in Aylesbury and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free access (via a portable ramp) 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 two dentists, five dental nurses, three dental hygienists, a receptionist and a practice manager (who is also a dental nurse) . The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, two dental nurses, one dental hygienist, one receptionists and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

• Monday 9.00am – 4.30pm
• Tuesday 9.00am – 7.00pm
• Wednesday 9.00am – 7.00pm
• Thursday 9.00am – 6.00pm
• Friday 9.00am – 4.30pm

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

• Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.