Village Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 11 March 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 usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:

• Is it safe?

• Is it effective?

• 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 to be visibly 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 help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The provider had a staff recruitment policy which reflected current legislation. However, we found that this policy had not always been followed.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

Village Dental Practice is in Cuffley, Potters Bar and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There are two small steps into the practice and access for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs is via a ramp. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes eight dentists, six dental nurses, including two trainee dental nurses, three dental hygienists, and three receptionists. The practice has four treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, three dental nurses, one receptionist, the acting practice manager, a visiting practice manager and a partner from Smile Clinic Group. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9am to 5.30pm

Wednesdays from 8am to 5.30pm

Fridays from 8am to 4.30pm

Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.30pm.

The practice is part of the Smile Clinic Group. A major refurbishment at the practice is planned which will include providing a separate decontamination facility.

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

• Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice. In particular, ensuring two references are sought for newly recruited staff.
• Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken for all cleaning products.