Updated 15 November 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 17 October 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 always ask the following five 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. Improvements could be made to the sedation process to be in line with current best practice guidance.
- 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 75 practices and this report is about Bupa Dental Care Cottingham.
Bupa Dental Care Cottingham provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is located on the first floor, therefore access for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs is not possible. People who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs are signposted to a local sister practice with step free access. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.
The dental team includes 5 dentists, 7 dental nurses (one of who is also the practice co-ordinator), 2 dental hygienists, 1 dental hygienist and therapist, 1 receptionist, a domestic cleaner and a practice manager. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, the practice co-ordinator 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 8am to 7pm
Tuesday to Friday from 8am to 5:30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure that staff take into account guidelines published by The Intercollegiate Advisory Committee on Sedation in Dentistry in the document 'Standards for Conscious Sedation in the Provision of Dental Care 2015' with regards to carrying out pre-assessment at an appointment separate to the treatment appointment.