King's Greenford 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 identified and managed risks effectively and staff described the processes. This included sharps safety, sepsis awareness and lone working.

Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. They felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and this was reflected in our findings.

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. However, not all hazardous substances used in the practice had been risk assessed. We discussed this with staff and were assured this would be done.

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.

Fire safety was not effectively managed. An internal fire risk assessment had been completed; however, it was brief and did not adequately identify or assess risks. Staff were not following the risk assessment with regards to fire safety training, emergency lighting and the maintenance servicing of fire detection equipment.

Fire alarms were tested periodically rather than weekly, and tests were not documented. Annual servicing was not carried out for the fire alarms. Fire extinguishers were serviced regularly, however, internal checks were not carried out or logged. The risk assessment did not reflect the equipment in the practice. For example, it referenced a sprinkler system and emergency lighting which the practice did not have.
A new fire risk assessment has been booked for 2 December 2025.

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 a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff, including agency or locum staff. However, the policy was not always followed. Evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B was not available for 2 staff members.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified and registered with the General Dental Council. However, effective monitoring systems were not in place to ensure that all clinical staff held 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 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 and discussed safeguarding scenarios at practice meetings.

The practice ensured staff training, including continuing professional development was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. However, we noted there were gaps in completed training for some staff. For example, evidence of fire safety training was not available in 5 of the 6 staff files reviewed. The practice should review systems and processes of assurance. We discussed this with the provider and were assured it would be addressed.

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, one-to-one meetings, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

Staff 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.

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. We noted that some items, such as burs and X-ray holders, which were not stored in sterilisation pouches, were not reprocessed at the end of the day in line with current guidance.

The practice had some procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance. However, recommendations from the risk assessment dated August 2025 had not been acted on including actions classed as “high” which should be acted on “as soon as possible”. We discussed this with the practice and were assured these would be completed.

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