Updated 31 January 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 10 January 2023 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.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it caring?
• Is it responsive to people’s needs?
• Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The dental clinic was visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- 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.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- Systems were in place to deal with any concerns or complaints positively and efficiently.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
Rock House Dental Practice is in the village of Christleton, near Chester and provides NHS and 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 are available on the roads near the practice.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 6 dental nurses, 1 of whom works as the practice treatment co-ordinator, 4 dental hygienists, and 2 receptionists. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with both dentists, two dental nurses, the receptionists, and the treatment co-ordinator. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open Monday to Thursday, from 8.15am to 5.30pm and on Friday from 8.15am to 1pm. The practice closes on Monday to Thursday at 12.40pm to 2pm for lunch.