Dentessentails Dental 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.

Emergency equipment and medicines were available and checked in accordance with national guidance. Staff could access these 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. The practice had completed risk assessments and obtained safety data sheets for dental products to minimise the risks that could be caused from substances that are hazardous to health. Improvements were required to ensure all hazardous products were included in accordance with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. Immediately after the assessment we were provided with evidence to show us that safety data sheets, and risk assessments had been completed for all products.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of most equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions. On the day of the inspection we observed that the compressors were last inspected in 2022. This was discussed with the provider who immediately arranged for a company to carry out the required pressure vessel inspection on 16 May 2025.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available.

The management of fire safety was effective. Fire-fighting equipment was serviced and well maintained. We saw records of regular periodic in-house testing of smoke alarms, emergency lighting and fire evacuation drills at the practice and that staff had completed annual fire awareness training. However, improvements should be made to ensure that the emergency lighting system was also serviced. Following our feedback to the provider this was arranged for 9 May 2025.

The practice had implemented systems to assess, monitor and manage risks to patient and staff safety. This included sharps safety and sepsis awareness. Improvements could be made to the management of risks associated with lone working for staff and hygienists who worked without chairside support. Immediately after the inspection we were provided with evidence that these risk assessments had been completed.

Improvements were required to the practice’s systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. On the day of the inspection, we saw that 1 prescription pad had not been stored securely and a log was not in place to monitor and track their use. This was rectified immediately after the inspection and a log was implemented.

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. However, improvements could be made to ensure that this was documented.

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, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

Staff stated they felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice. This was demonstrated in staff satisfaction surveys which were regularly completed.

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.