Archived: G A Conlon Dental Surgery

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 12 April 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 the provider was in discussions with the landlord regarding building repairs and maintenance.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance, apart from in two areas.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• The provider should review their assessment and management of risks to service users and staff in relation to fire, expired materials and medicines, prescriptions, referrals, sharps and endodontic treatment.
• 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.
• Effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement was not apparent.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Patients were not asked for feedback about the services provided.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

G A Conlon Dental Surgery is in Washington and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is on the first floor of a building with access via one flight of stairs. Patients are made aware of this prior to their appointment. Car parking spaces are available in two free council car parks a short distance from the practice.

The dental team includes the principal dentist, one dental nurse and one receptionist. The practice has two treatment rooms, with one room used only for storage and developing of X-rays.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist and the dental nurse. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday 8.30am to 7.30pm

Tuesday and Wednesday 8.30am to 6pm

Thursday 8am to 4pm

Friday 8am to 2.30pm.

We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:

• Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.

Full details of the regulations the provider is not meeting are at the end of this report.

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

• Take action to ensure the clinician takes into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.
• Implement a system to ensure patient referrals to other dental or health care professionals are centrally monitored to ensure they are received in a timely manner and not lost.