Twyford Dental and Implant Centre

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 1 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 second inspector and 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:

Delete as appropriate:

• 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.
• Improvements were needed to the control and storage of substances hazardous to health.
• Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• Improvements were needed to the management of antibiotic prescribing and dispensing.
• 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

Twyford Dental and Implant Centre is in Twyford, Berkshire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step fee access to the implant centre for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. the implant centre treatment rooms are on the first floor.
The dental centre (next door) has stepped access. There is a treatment room on the ground floor for patients who find stairs a barrier.
Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice in public parking areas. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional access requirements. A hearing loop and reading aids are available at both receptions.

The dental team includes five dentists, three dental nurses, two dental hygienists, three receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has five treatment rooms which are split over two buildings.

During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, three dental nurses, a 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 8.30am – 5.30pm
• Tuesday 8.30am – 5.30pm
• Wednesday 8.30am – 5.30pm
• Thursday 8.30am – 5.30pm
• Friday 8.30am – 3.30pm
  

Where evidence is sent that shows the relevant issues have been acted on, we have stated this in our report but we cannot remove references to these as this would not be an accurate reflection of what was found on the day of our inspection.

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

• Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.

• Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken and the products are stored securely.