Hills Road Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 8 November 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 always ask five key questions:

• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it caring?
• Is it responsive?
• Is it well-led?

These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.

Our findings were:

• The dental clinic was visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment 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 protecting 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.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• 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.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.

Background

Hills Road Dental Practice is based in Cambridge and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs. There is access via a ramp to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs, although there is not an accessible toilet. Car parking is available directly outside the premises.

The dental team includes 3 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, a practice manager, 2 qualified dental nurses and a receptionist. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the practice manager, 1 dentist, 1 hygienist, a dental nurse and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 8am to 5pm; on Tuesdays from 8am to 4pm, on Wednesdays from 8.30am to 5pm, and on Fridays from 8am to 2pm.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should

• Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.