St John's Hill Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 21 June 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 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, however these were not always followed.
• 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

The provider has one practice and this report is about St John’s Hill Dental Practice.

St John’s Hill Dental Practice is in Shrewsbury and provides NHS (10%) and private (90%) dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is no level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs, with a small step at the entrance for those with pushchairs. Patients are referred to local dental practices if they cannot access the practice. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The dental team includes three dentists, five dental nurses including two dental nurse trainees, one dental hygienist, three receptionists, one clinical manager and one practice manager. The practice has five treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, three dental nurses, one receptionist 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 from 8.30am to 6.30pm

Tuesday to Thursday from 8.30am to 5.30pm

Friday from 8.30 to 4.30pm

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Follow the practice’s recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice. In particular, ensure photo identification and references are sought for all staff.