Arcot 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. 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. However, checks had not identified that the fridge used for storing Glucagon was above the recommended temperature. Immediate action was taken to rectify this to ensure that medicines and dental care products are being stored in line with the manufacturer’s guidance. Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

The premises had recently been refurbished and 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 managed fire safety well, and fire exits were clear and well signposted. However, the practice should take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's fire safety risk assessment and ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective. For example, ensure that regular servicing of fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and smoke alarms is carried out and documented.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were kept securely, and improvements were underway to ensure systems in place to track and monitor their use were effective.

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

We saw that the clinician was qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff were new to the practice and were developing the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles with support from the clinician. 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.

We observed that staff training, including continuing professional development, was up to date.

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 practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

Staff used personal protective equipment and decontaminated dental instruments after use, in line with national guidance.

Staff were aware of infection prevention and control processes and received appropriate training, however at the time of the inspection some staff were unclear on how to identify single-use items to ensure these 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.

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.