Woodthorpe Dental Centre

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 providing treatment to patients under sedation had also completed immediate life support training. Staff also discussed medical emergency scenarios at practice meetings.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely in line with recognised guidance.

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

The practice had a robust fire safety plan and managed fire safety well, and fire exits were clear and well signposted.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available. This included cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

We did note required training was overdue for the Radiation Protection Supervisor (a person named by an employer to oversee work with radioactive materials or X-ray machines). We also noted an action from the 3 yearly performance check, was not addressed. Once highlighted, the practice acted immediately and evidence was provided the day after the inspection confirming the training had been booked, and the action had been addressed.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were kept securely, we highlighted that the practice could strengthen their process for the documentation of prescriptions

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff. On the day of the inspection, we reviewed 14 staff files and saw information required and outlined within their policy was present for 12 staff members. Two had no evidence of satisfactory conduct in previous employment. The practice confirmed references had been requested at the point of employment, but they had not received a response. There was no evidence in the staff files on the day of inspection to clearly document this. Once highlighted, the practice undertook a suitable risk assessment.

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 and role specific structured induction. The practice also undertook retrospective inductions for any staff who started at the practice prior to the current practice manager starting their role.

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.

The practice ensured 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, 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.

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.