SplenDental Care

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice had processes to identify and manage risks and staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. Staff felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and this was reflected in our findings.

Systems for checking emergency equipment and medicines required strengthening as they had not identified that items of medical emergency kit were missing. Items missing included, the portable suction, clear face masks in sizes 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, paediatric ambu bags, oxygen face mask with reservoir and tubing (adult), eye wash and blood and bodily fluid spillage kits. Only one dose of adrenaline was available. The provider ordered these immediately. In addition, there were no equipment checks/logs in place to monitor medical emergency equipment. Following discussion, we were assured that weekly checks of emergency equipment and medicines would commence immediately.

Staff could access medical emergency equipment and medicines in a timely way. Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year. Staff were also encouraged to participate in medical emergency scenario training.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available. This included cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

There was scope for improvement in the management of fire safety. The fire risk assessment completed in October 2024 had outstanding issues for action, including the installation of emergency lighting and additional automatic detection and warning in case of fire. In addition, there were no records to demonstrate that regular fire evacuation drills were carried out. We were assured that immediate action had been taken to address these issues.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were kept securely, and a log was in place to monitor and track their use.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient levels of staff on duty at all times. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

The practice had arrangements to ensure staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, 1-to-1 meetings, clinical supervision, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

Staff stated they felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.

We observed use of personal protective equipment and the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single use items were not reprocessed.

The practice had procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance. At the time of our inspection, we found some recommendations in the risk assessment had not been addressed. However, a new risk assessment had been completed and the service were awaiting the report. We were assured any recommendations in the new risk assessment would be actioned immediately.

The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste

The equipment in use was maintained and serviced as per manufacturers’ instructions.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance, however, did not include an action plan to improve areas of poor compliance.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.