Updated 17 March 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 25 February 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 life-saving medicines 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 practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- The service was proactive in providing care and treatment to vulnerable groups of the community including looked after children and Afghan refugees.
- 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
Avalon Dental Care is in Manchester and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice has a dedicated car park.
The dental team includes ten dentists, 11 dental nurses, one dental hygienist, three receptionists and three management staff. The practice has five treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with three dentists, three dental nurses, and one practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Thursday from 9am to 6pm
Friday from 9am to 5pm
We identified an area of notable practice.
- The service was committed to provide urgent and continuing care for patients from more vulnerable backgrounds such as looked after children and refugees. They were heavily involved in local initiatives set up by NHS England.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure audits of infection prevention and control are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service.