Hillton Dental Surgeries Minster

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 12 December 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 maintained. However, improvements regarding maintaining the premises could be improved.
• 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.
• 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 is part of a corporate group Hillton Dental Practices and has 4 practices, and this report is about Hillton Dental Practices- Minster.

Hillton Dental Practices- Minster is in Minster, Kent and provides NHS and 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 practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes a dentist, 2 dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists, and a receptionist. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the dentist, both dental nurses, a dental hygienist, and the receptionist We looked at practice policies, procedures, and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

• Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm
• Friday 9am to 1.30pm
• The practice is closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm Monday to Thursday

We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:

• Care and treatment must be provided in a safe way for service users. In particular, fire safety

Full details of the regulation the provider is not meeting are at the end of this report.

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

• Take action to ensure the suitability of the premises and ensure all areas are fit for the purpose for which they are being used. (In particular, the large crack in the wall and the damaged flooring in the upstairs treatment room.
• Take action to ensure that all clinical staff have adequate immunity for vaccine preventable infectious diseases.

Staff accepted the shortfalls we raised and took immediate action the day of our inspection to begin to address these.

Where evidence is sent that shows the relevant issues have been acted on, we have stated this in our report but we cannot say that the practice is compliant for that key question as this would not be an accurate reflection of what was found on the day of our inspection.