Updated 6 September 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 10 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 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 appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which mostly 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. There was scope to improve the management of risk associated with fire safety management and the dispensing of medicines.
- 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
The provider has three practices, and this report is about Bricketwood Practice.
Bricketwood Practice is in Bricketwood, Hertfordshire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice has two additional NHS contracts to provide Minor Oral Surgery and Sedation.
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 in a car park at the front of the practice. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs.
The dental team includes eleven dentists including three specialists, nine dental nurses including three dental nurse trainees, three dental hygienists, one cosmetic practitioner, two receptionists and a practice manager. A medically qualified anaesthetist provides sedation. The practice has seven treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with four dentists, four 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 to Friday from 9am to 5pm
Saturday from 9am to 1pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored and dispensed of safely and securely.
- Take action to ensure audits of radiography are undertaken at recommended intervals to improve the quality of the service.
- Take action to ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective. In particular, by arranging regular servicing of the fire safety system and the completion of weekly fire alarm checks.