• Dentist
  • Dentist

Archived: Charles Ferber Dental Practice

2nd Floor Flat, 22 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 8GQ (020) 7436 5922

Provided and run by:
Dr. Charles Ferber

All Inspections

13 February 2023

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 13 February 2023 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 advisor.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions :

  • Is it safe?
  • Is it effective?
  • Is it caring?
  • Is it responsive to people’s needs?
  • 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 clean and well-maintained.
  • The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
  • Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. However, we found not all life-saving equipment was available.
  • The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
  • 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.
  • Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
  • Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
  • Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
  • The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
  • The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
  • Staff felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.
  • Improvements were required in regards the clinical audits undertaken by the practice, and their quality and frequency.

Background

Charles Ferber Dental Practice is in Westminster and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is located on the 2nd floor of a building with no lift and is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. There is another dental practice which operates from the ground floor in the same building and arrangements are in place to use the surgery for those patients in wheelchairs and mobility problems. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The dental team includes 2 dentists, 1 dental hygienist, 2 dental nurses - 1 of whom was also the practice manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, a dental nurse, a receptionist and the dental nurse/practice manager. . We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm.

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

  • Take action to ensure audits of radiography are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service. Practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.
  • Improve the practice protocols regarding auditing patient dental care records to check that necessary information is recorded.
  • Take action to ensure the availability of equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.

20 November 2012

During a routine inspection

Everyone was given good information about their care and treatment options and said they felt sufficiently informed to make decisions. There was a range of information available at the practice and on the website.

People said they were treated respectfully and highly rated the quality of care and treatment. One person said their care and treatment was 'first rate' and another said 'myself and my family all come here and done so for years - and we are very particular'. There was a patient feedback system for gathering and listening to people's views. One person had commented, 'I must be the worst patient but the most lucky to come here'.

The service maintained good infection control standards and followed government guidelines.

Staff were trained and supported to do their jobs. They had regular appraisals and access to ongoing professional development. People who use the service said they felt safe and well treated by competent professionals.

The service kept clear and accurate records that were safely stored and regularly audited.