The Dental Abode

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 line 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 identified and managed risks effectively and staff described the processes. This included sharps safety, sepsis awareness and lone working.

Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. They felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and this was mostly reflected in our findings.

Staff could access emergency equipment and medicines that were checked in line with national guidance. They knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

The premises were visibly clean. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessments and safety data sheets were available for staff.

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

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

A fire safety risk assessment was carried out in line with the legal requirements in May 2024. The management of fire safety was effective, and fire exits were clear and well signposted. The practice had obtained planning permission to increase the number of treatment rooms as part of a refurbishment programme. We were told that recommendations from the fire risk assessment such as improving the fire doors and upgrading the fire alarm and emergency lighting systems would be included in this. We saw that regular servicing of fire-fighting equipment and periodic testing of the smoke alarms and portable torches which were used as a means of providing emergency lighting were recorded. Fire evacuation drills were carried out. We noted that the portable appliance testing was last competed in February 2022, and the electrical installation condition report was completed in March 2020, so both were overdue. We were provided with evidence that the portable appliance testing had been scheduled for 3 September 2025 and told that the electrical installation condition report would also be arranged.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were kept securely, although improvements could be made to include a log of the stock of prescription pads kept in the practice. This was rectified immediately after the inspection.

The practice had recruitment procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff. The processes for recording recruitment information relating to staff was in the process of being reviewed and improved. Following the inspection we were provided with their recruitment policy which was updated although not available on the day.

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 although this was not always recorded and available in staff files. The content and recording of staff induction was being updated as part of an overall review of all governance processes. Staff we spoke to told us that the induction they received enabled them to undertake their role.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were enough 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 ensured staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.

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

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

One staff member told us, “The team makes this place a good place to work, everyone is supportive, helpful and nice.”

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

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

Staff used personal protective equipment and decontaminated dental instruments after use, in line with national guidance. Regular maintenance and testing of the decontamination equipment was completed. Improvements could be made to include an additional cleaning efficacy test for the ultrasonic bath. This was implemented immediately following our inspection.

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, 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 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.