Archived: Parkside Dental Centre

We carried out an unannounced comprehensive inspection on 04 March 2016 after receiving some information of concern to ask the practice the following key questions; Are services safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

We found that this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services effective?

We found that this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services caring?

We found that this practice was providing caring services in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services responsive?

We found that this practice was providing responsive care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services well-led?

We found that this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Background

Parkside Dental Practice is located in a health centre facility in Woking, Surrey and comprises of a reception area, a waiting room which is shared with another provider, three treatment rooms and a decontamination room. The practice is accessible for patients with disabilities at the entrance and the practice is situated on one level.

The practice provides general dental treatment to NHS patients of all ages, and general dental treatment and a range of more complex treatments, for example, implants, cosmetic treatments and orthodontics, on a private basis.

The practice is open Monday 9am to 6.00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am to 5pm and Friday 8.30am to 12pm.

The practice is staffed by three dentists, a practice manager, three qualified and registered dental nurses, one of whom is the senior nurse and two receptionists. The practice also has the services of a specialist periodontist who visits the practice.

The principal dentist is the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the practice is run.

We did not provide CQC comment cards to the practice as this was an unannounced inspection. We were able to speak with two patients on the day of our inspection. Their comments were very positive about the staff and the service. Patients commented that the practice was clean, hygienic and modern, and they found the staff friendly, considerate and caring. They had trust in the staff and confidence in the dental treatments, and said that they were always given clear, detailed and understandable explanations about dental treatment. They also commented that the dentists put patients at ease, have their patient’s best interests at heart and listen carefully.

Our key findings were:

• The practice recorded and analysed significant events, incidents and complaints and cascaded learning to staff.

• Staff had received safeguarding training and knew the processes to follow to raise any concerns.

• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.

• Staff had been trained to deal with medical emergencies and emergency medicines and

equipment were readily available.

• Premises and equipment were clean, secure and properly maintained.

• Infection control procedures were in place and the practice followed published guidance.

• Staff were supported to deliver effective care, and opportunities for training and learning were available.

• Clinical staff were up to date with their continuing professional development and met the requirements of their professional registration.

• Patient’s care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence-based guidelines, and current practice and legislation.

• Patients received clear explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.

• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.