Updated 4 April 2024
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 19 March 2024 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 dental clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
- 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 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
Wayside Dental Practice is in Harpenden and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There are 2 steps leading into the practice with a removeable ramp for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. On street parking is available outside the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes the principal dentist, 5 associate dentists, a visiting specialist in prosthodontics, 9 dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 decontamination dental nurse, 5 dental hygienists, 1 practice manager, a business manager, an administrator and 4 receptionists. The practice has 7 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, 1 associate dentist, 3 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 2 receptionists, the business manager and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm
Saturday (one per month) from 9am to 1pm.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability for example, they had installed a sensor operated light in the patients’ toilet, and had made available for purchase oral health products such as toothbrushes and floss made from sustainable materials.