Dental Surgery

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.

Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

Staff we spoke with told us that equipment and instruments were well maintained and readily available.

The provider described the processes they had in place to identify and manage risks. Staff felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and the reporting of risks was encouraged.

Emergency equipment and medicines were available and checked in accordance with national guidance. Staff could access these in a timely way.

The premises were not clean in some areas, we observed cobwebs in a number of windows in the clinical and waiting areas. Windowsills in treatment room one were cluttered with debris and visible dirt. Staff addressed these areas immediately.

Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

Fire exits were clear and well signposted, However, Staff did not know if the fire safety equipment was serviced or well maintained as they felt this was the responsibility of the landlord. Following our inspection we were sent evidence of improved fire safety processes and checks.

The practice ensured equipment was safe to use and maintained and serviced according to manufacturers’ instructions. The practice ensured the facilities were maintained in accordance with regulations.

A fire safety risk assessment was carried out, in house by a member of staff, this was not in line with the legal requirements. Following our inspection we were sent a fire risk assessment carried out by an external fire safety company.

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

The practice had risk assessments to minimise the risk that could be caused from substances that are hazardous to health.

The practice had implemented systems to assess, monitor and manage risks to patient and staff safety. This included sharps safety, sepsis awareness and lone working.

The practice had some systems for appropriate and safe handling of medicines. We were sent the new prescription log and complete labelling for medicines that are dispensed from the practice. Antimicrobial prescribing audits were not carried out.

Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Patient comments included that staff were welcoming and attentive, acted with integrity, and showed compassion.

Patients said staff were professional, courteous, and considerate.

Patients felt they were treated as individuals, and their personal and cultural needs were respected.

Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient staffing levels.

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

Staff discussed their training needs during practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions. They also discussed learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development. Staff told us they were implementing annual appraisal for all staff.

Staff we spoke with demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedure to help them employ suitable staff. These required some improvements.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff were not subject to a structured induction, and clinical staff completed continuing professional development required for their registration with the General Dental Council. Following our visit, a structured induction programme for any new staff employed by the service was sent to us.

The practice had arrangements to ensure staff training was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.

We saw the practice had effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities.

Patients commented they were happy with the cleanliness of the practice.

Staff demonstrated their knowledge of infection prevention and control during discussion and through observation.

The practice required some improvements in three areas with cleanliness. Staff addressed these areas immediately and updated their cleaning schedules to ensure it was kept clean.

Staff followed infection control principles, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Hazardous waste was segregated and disposed of safely.

We observed the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned with national guidance.

The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance and the equipment in use was maintained and serviced. Staff demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes, and we saw single use items were not reprocessed.

Staff had appropriate training, and the practice completed infection prevention and control (IPC) audits in line with current guidance.

The practice had procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment.

The practice had policies and procedures in place to ensure clinical waste was segregated and stored appropriately in line with guidance.

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