Updated 17 January 2024
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 11 December 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. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- 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.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Improvements were required in regard to assessing risks associated with the hygienist working without chairside assistance.
- Improvements were required in relation to the details contained in patients’ care records.
Background
Dr Gerard James Dewe-Mathews - Wimpole Street is in the London Borough of Westminster and provides private dental care and treatment for adults.
There is ramped access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. One of the treatment rooms is located on the ground floor. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes 2 dentists ( including the principal dentist), 1 lead dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist and a trainee dental nurse. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist and the lead dental nurse. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.
- Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular in regard to risk assessment for the hygienist working without chairside assistance.
- Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.