Toothcare Limited

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.

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.

The practice identified and managed most risks effectively and staff described the processes.

One the day of the inspection we noted that the practice had not fully identified and mitigated all risks associated with sharps and lone working. The practice had not identified that clinicians should manage used sharps and that protective devices should be available. Immediately following the inspection, we were provided with an updated sharps risk assessment which addressed this and were provided with evidence that they had implemented the use of a safer sharps system. In addition, they had not completed a risk assessment for the cleaner who worked alone. Following our feedback a lone working policy and risk assessment were completed.

Staff could access emergency equipment and medicines that were checked in line with national guidance. Improvements were required to monitor and record the fridge temperature to ensure that medicines and dental care products were being stored in line with the manufacturer’s guidance. This was implemented immediately after the inspection.

Staff 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 and maintained. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. We saw that the provider had obtained safety data sheets for dental materials and cleaning solutions. Improvements could be made to ensure that safety data sheets were also available for all domestic cleaning products used in the practice. The provider assured us that this would be rectified.

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 risk assessment had been carried out in line with the legal requirements and fire exits were clear and well signposted. We saw that fire safety equipment was serviced regularly and whilst testing of the smoke detection equipment was being carried out, this was not in line with guidance. Improvements could be made by implementing weekly testing of the smoke alarms and recording fire evacuation drills. Immediately after the inspection we were sent evidence that the provider had implemented a fire maintenance schedule which included these tasks.

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 a recruitment policy that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff, including agency or locum staff. However, the provider should implement an effective recruitment process to ensure that all appropriate checks were completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice. In particular evidence of satisfactory conduct in previous employment and a full employment history.

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 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 had some systems to ensure that staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. Improvements were required to the oversight of this training.

There were effective 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 felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.

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. 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.

Equipment was maintained and serviced in line with manufacturers’ instructions.

The practice had recently completed an infection prevention and control audit. However, improvements were required to ensure these were completed at 6 monthly intervals in line with current guidance.

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