Prenton Dental Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in line with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice had systems to identify and manage risks, and staff described these processes. While some risks were managed appropriately, improvements were required in relation to fire safety and Legionella. Current risk management included sharps safety, sepsis awareness and lone working.

Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety and were able to discuss risks.

Staff could access emergency equipment and medicines that were checked in line with national guidance. They knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year. Staff also participated in medical emergency scenario training.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were kept securely, and a log was in place to monitor and track their use.

The practice had arrangements in place to manage fire safety, and fire exits were clear and well signposted; however, improvements should be made to ensure fire safety arrangements are fully effective and that a safe environment is consistently maintained for patients and staff. Recommendations made in the fire risk assessment had not been fully actioned, and there was no evidence that interim measures had been introduced to manage the identified risks.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff, including agency or locum staff.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were enough staff on duty at all times.

They demonstrated a clear understanding of safeguarding and knew how to access relevant information. Staff were also aware of their responsibilities in protecting vulnerable adults and children.

The practice ensured staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during appraisals, one-to-one meetings, during clinical discussions, practice team meetings and ongoing informal conversations.

Staff described feeling respected and valued in their roles. Most said leaders were approachable and open to discussion, and that they felt listened to. They also said they knew where to turn if they needed assistance with their wellbeing.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.

Staff used personal protective equipment and decontaminated dental instruments after use, in line with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single-use items were not reprocessed.

The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste.

Equipment was maintained and serviced in line with manufacturers’ instructions.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

The practice had procedures in place, intended to reduce the risk of Legionella and other waterborne bacteria; however, improvements should be made to ensure these procedures are fully effective and aligned with the risk assessment and current guidance. Recommendations identified in the Legionella risk assessment had not been fully actioned. Although thermal control protocols were in place, sentinel outlets had not been clearly identified and records highlighted that temperatures were outside the recommended range on several occasions, with limited evidence that the actions taken were effective.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.