Updated 6 April 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 23 March 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 mostly reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and most life-saving equipment were available. However, defibrillator pads which were out of date were ordered on the day.
- The practice had some systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. However, there were shortfalls in assessing and mitigating risks in relation to lone working and the management of substances hazardous to health.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which mostly reflected current legislation although not all staff files were complete.
- 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. However, audits could be improved by having documented learning points.
- 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.
Background
The provider has two practices and this report is about Hartforde Dental Centre.
Hartforde Dental Centre is in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs via a ramp. Car parking spaces are available outside the practice. The practice has made some adjustments to support patients with additional needs.
The dental team includes three dentists, one dental nurse, one dental hygienist, and one receptionist. The practice has three treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, one dental nurse, and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
Improve the practice's recruitment procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff and that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.
Take action to ensure all clinicians are adequately supported by a trained member of the dental team when treating patients in a dental setting taking into account the guidance issued by the General Dental Council.
Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken and the products are stored securely.
Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the Faculty of General Dental Practice when completing dental care records.