Updated 24 April 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive on 29 March 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 second CQC inspector and 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. Appropriate medicines and lifesaving equipment were 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- 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.
Background
The provider is part of a corporate group Rodericks Dental Ltd and has 223 practices, and this report is about Beaumont House Dental practice.
Beaumont House Dental Practice is in Leicester and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is a small step upon entry to the practice, with level access inside the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available outside the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements including a portable ramp for the front and rear of the building.
The dental team includes 3 dentists, 1 foundation dentist, 1 dental hygienist, 3 qualified dental nurses and 4 trainee dental nurses, 1 receptionist, and a practice manager. The practice is supported by an area manager, the compliance lead, and the chief clinical officer. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 1 receptionist, the practice manager, and the compliance lead. We looked at practice policies, procedures, and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday 8am to 6pm
Tuesday 8am to 6pm
Wednesday 8am to 6pm
Thursday 8am to 6pm
Friday 8am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 1pm
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. The practice collected toothpaste tubes and caps, plastic toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes, inter dental brushes, and dental product packaging. This was sent to a paid recycling scheme to prevent oral care waste going to landfill.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.