Harborne 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 used to do this. 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. We observed that the syringes in the emergency medicines kit were not the ones referred to in recognised guidance. This meant that staff may not be able to deliver adrenaline to a patient in a medical emergency. The provider responded immediately to this and ordered the syringes required on the day of inspection. We have received confirmation that these are now available to staff and in the emergency medicines kit, ready for use. All staff had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support, and this training was refreshed annually.

The provider should take action to ensure the availability of equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.

The premises 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. We observed that the dentists at the practice did not use and did not have access to rectangular collimators. We reminded the provider of the provisions of the long-standing guidance on use of rectangular collimators.

The provider should improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment.

The practice managed fire safety well, and fire exits were clear and well signposted.

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.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover. When reviewing all recruitment checks, we noted that one staff member had submitted a background check that was 4 years old at the time of recruitment. We drew this to the attention of the provider, who confirmed that they would request an updated one.

The provider should implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.

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.

The practice ensured staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. We drew the attention of the provider to the lack of knowledge of some staff, regarding specific items required in the medical emergency equipment, for example, the correct size and type of syringe and needles required to deliver adrenaline in a medical emergency. Also, the laminated instruction card in the emergency medical kit gives the incorrect dose for administration to patients. This has been fed back to practices to ensure that all staff checking emergency medicines and equipment have the knowledge required to do this.

There were processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general well-being and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions. Staff felt respected, supported and valued, and they were happy 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.