Updated 10 February 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 1 February 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 provider 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 questions:
• 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 practice appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- The provider had effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- The provider asked staff and patients for feedback about the services they provided.
- The provider had information governance arrangements.
Background
Oracare Dental Practice is in the London Borough of Barnet and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is located in a ground floor building close to Edgware underground station. There is level access into the building for people who use wheelchairs or those with pushchairs.
The dental team includes the principal dentist, an associate dentist, three dental nurses and a receptionist. The practice has two treatment rooms and a separate decontamination room.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist and a dental nurse. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm.
Every other Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm.