Updated 3 October 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 03 August 2022 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 usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The dental clinic appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which did not reflect published guidance; this was rectified quickly.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Not all of the appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available. The practice arranged to replenish the missing items immediately.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. However, some improvements were required.
- 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.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
Pembury Dental Surgery is in Pembury Kent 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, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes a dentist, two dental nurses, a dental hygienist, and a practice manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the dentist, a dental nurse, the dental hygienist, and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am to 6pm
Friday 8am to 2pm
1st Monday of each month 10am to 8pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices, and having regard to The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance’. In particular, to cease the use of a non-linting cloth for multiple cycles, to ensure that instruments are stored accordingly and in line with HTM 01-05, and to ensure the transportation of instruments to and from the decontamination room is conducted safely in lockable puncture-proof boxes.
- Take action to ensure audits of radiography and infection prevention and control are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service. Practice should also complete audits for antimicrobial prescribing taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry, and that patient records and disability access audits are conducted annually.