Updated 19 May 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 23 March 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 caring?
• 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 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.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- There was clinical leadership at the practice
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
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 two dentists a dental nurse, a dental hygienist, and a receptionist. The practice has three treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, a dental nurse, a dental hygienist, and a receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
9.00am to 5.30 om Monday - Friday
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure the service takes into account the needs of patients with disabilities and to comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
- Take action to ensure a disability access audit is undertaken and that audits of infection prevention and control are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service.
- Take action to ensure the suitability of the premises and ensure all areas are fit for the purpose for which they are being used.
- Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the Faculty of General Dental Practice when completing dental care records