Updated 4 March 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 16 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 provider 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 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 practice appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The provider had a recruitment policy in place; however some staff recruitment records were not in place.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines. However, they did not have facilities to develop X-rays on site.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The provider had effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- The provider asked staff and patients for feedback about the services they provided.
- The provider had information governance arrangements.
Background
Mr & Mrs S Odai Dental Surgery – Heckmondwike provide 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. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.
The dental team includes two dentists and three dental nurses (who also cover reception duties). The practice has one treatment room.
During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, and two dental nurses. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday and Friday 9am-5:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am-12:30pm and Wednesday 9am-5pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's recruitment policy and procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff.
- Review the availability of equipment to make a prompt and effective diagnosis, in particular the X-ray developer.