Updated 11 March 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 1 March 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.
We usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 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 dental clinic appeared to be 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.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- 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.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked well as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- The dental clinic had appropriate information governance arrangements in place.
Background
Northborough Dental Practice provides 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 for 11 patients are available on site. The practice has made some adjustments to support patients with additional needs including ground floor treatment rooms and specialist dental chairs for patients with limited mobility.
The dental team includes two dentists and three dental nurses. The practice has two treatment rooms.
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 on Mondays to Thursdays from 8.30am to 5pm, and on Fridays from 8.30am to 1pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate disclosure and barring service checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.
- Implement a system to ensure that dental care products do not exceed their expiry date.
- Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.
- Improve staff’s awareness and understanding of Gillick competency guidance and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Take action to implement all recommendations in the practice's risk assessment and ensure ongoing health and safety management is effective.