Teeth@W1

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. The practice had conducted a risk assessment to assess and mitigate most of the risks associated with lone working. Improvements were required to ensure the risks associated with medical emergencies had appropriately been assessed and mitigated.

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.

Improvements were required to ensure that the emergency kit included all equipment necessary, as advised in guidance from the Resuscitation Council UK. Following the inspection, we saw that the practice took immediate action and ordered the missing items and had reviewed the processes for storing Glucagon (medicine used to treat low blood sugar) to ensure it was stored in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

Staff could access 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.

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 handheld X-ray equipment.

The management of fire safety was effective, and fire exits were clear and well signposted.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines.

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

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

Newly appointed staff and agency staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their role. They told us that there were always sufficient levels of staff on duty, with agency nurses used when chairside support was required. A chaperone was in the building to offer assistance at all other times.

Staff demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

Improvements could be made to ensure that staff, who worked occasionally at the practice, were up to date with their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Staff supported each other with their learning needs, general well being and aims for the future development of 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 effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance.

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.

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