Smallthorne Family Dental Pratice

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

We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance 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.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice had processes to identify and manage risks and staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. Staff felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and this was reflected in our findings.

Emergency equipment and medicines were available and checked in accordance with national guidance. Staff could access these in a timely way. Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. The practice had risk assessments to minimise the risk that could be caused from substances that are hazardous to health however, there were no safety data sheets. Following our inspection evidence was seen to show these had been sought for all materials.

We saw some satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions. We found the compressor was serviced 2 yearly rather than annually as recommended. An engineer was arranged to carry out the service shortly after our inspection.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available.

The management of fire safety was effective and fire exits were clear and well signposted.

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.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable 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 we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient levels of staff on duty at all times. They 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 did not have arrangements to ensure staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. An on-line compliance system had recently been installed to assist management with the overview of staff training.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities within their capabilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, 1-to-1 meetings, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

Staff stated they felt respected, supported and valued and they were happy to work in the practice.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

We found the upholstery on some of the dental chairs was damaged and the flooring in 2 of the treatment rooms required repairing. Arrangements were put in place following our inspection to address these issues.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.

We observed use of personal protective equipment and the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned 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. Routine testing of the water temperatures required improvement 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.

The equipment in use was maintained and serviced as per manufacturers’ instructions.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.