The Chequers Endodontic Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 13 July 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 endodontic clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. We found minor shortfalls in appropriately assessing and mitigating risks in relation to fire safety, infection control and the storage of substances hazardous to health.
• 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.
• There was effective practice leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• 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 Chequers Endodontic Practice is in Great Missenden and provides private endodontic dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is based on the first floor above a GP practice. Patients are advised of the stairs when they contact the practice.

Car parking spaces, including parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements:

The practice team includes 3 dentists, 4 dental nurses and a receptionist.

The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, a dental nurse and the receptionist.

We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

• 8.30am to 5.15pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
• 8.30am to 5.45pm Wednesday
• 8.30am to 12.30pm Friday

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

• Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring, and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular, fire safety, control of substances hazardous to health and infection prevention and control.
  
  
• Implement protocols regarding the prescribing and recording of antibiotic medicines taking into account guidance provided by the Faculty of General Dental Practice in respect of antimicrobial prescribing.