Updated 21 June 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 26 May 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 appeared to be 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.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- 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.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements. Improvements were required with regards to auditing various aspects of the service.
Background
Westmead Dental Practice is in Sutton and provides NHS and or private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.
The dental team includes a principal dentist, two dental nurses (who also cover reception) and one practice administrator. The practice has three treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with all the team. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure audits of radiography and infection prevention and control are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service.
- Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.