Updated 2 November 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 20 October 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 ask five key 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 practice appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Appropriate emergency equipment and medicines were available.
- The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The fire risk assessment had outstanding high-risk actions that needed review.
- The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The provider had effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- The provider asked staff and patients for feedback about the services they provided.
- The provider had information governance arrangements.
Background
Thirsk Smiles Ltd is in Thirsk and provides NHS and private dental care for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice with a ground floor surgery and disabled bathroom. Car parking and local transport links are available near the practice.
The dental team includes 4 dentists, 1 dental hygiene therapist, 6 dental nurses, 1 receptionist, and a practice manager. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the practice manager, a dentist, the dental hygiene therapist and 2 dental nurses. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Thursday from 8:45am to 5:15pm and Friday from 8:45am to 4:15pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to put in place a risk assessment for staff whilst a Disclosure and Barring Service check is not in place.
- Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's fire safety risk assessment and ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.