NHS Dentist

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 accordance 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 processes to identify and manage risks and staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. Staff felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and this was reflected in our findings.

Staff could access most emergency equipment and medicines. However, the provider should implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK).

On the day of inspection, we noted that one medicine was not of the correct formulation and some emergency equipment was missing or expired. Following the inspection, we received evidence that all missing or expired items had been obtained and were available at the practice.

Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

Staff providing treatment to patients under sedation had also completed immediate life support training (or basic life support training plus patient assessment, airway management techniques and automated external defibrillator training).

Staff were also encouraged to participate in medical emergency scenario training.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. While hazardous substances had been risk assessed, staff did not have immediate access to the relevant Safety Data Sheets at the time of inspection.

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

The practice should improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment. The practice had some arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment, and the required radiation protection information was available. However, there were outstanding recommended actions which had not been addressed. Following our feedback the provider took action to rectify these issues. We do not assess compliance with the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 and the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 but we do request services to provide evidence that demonstrates their compliance to inform our findings.

The management of fire safety was effective, and fire exits were clear and well signposted. However, the provider should take action to implement all recommendations in the practice's fire safety risk assessment completed in 2022, namely by introducing regular fire evacuation drills.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. The practice should improve the security of NHS prescription pads in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor their use. Following inspection feedback, the provider implemented a prescription tracking system to prevent misuse.

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 we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient levels of staff on duty at all times. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

The practice had arrangements to ensure 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 annual appraisals and practice team meetings.

Most staff stated they felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.

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.

We observed use of personal protective equipment and the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single use items were not reprocessed.

The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance.

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

The equipment in use was maintained and serviced as per manufacturers’ instructions.

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

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