Updated 6 April 2023
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 30 January 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 assess patients’ experiences of care and treatment, the following 2 questions were asked:
- Is it safe?
- Is it well-led?
These questions form part of 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. We identified minor areas where the provider could improve to reflect guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were not available in line with recommended guidance; items were ordered following the inspection.
- The practice’s systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises were ineffective.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The practice’s staff recruitment procedures did not reflect current legislation.
- Efficient leadership was not evident.
- Staff were not fully supported by managers.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
Background
The provider has 2 dental practices; this report is about The Dental Healthcare Centre And Cleveland Cosmetic And Dental Implant Clinic.
The clinic is in Stockton On Tees and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes a principal dentist, 2 associate dentists, 2 dental nurses of whom 1 is a trainee, a practice director, a practice manager and 3 receptionists. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse, the practice director and the practice manager.
We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.30pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.
We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:
- Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.
- Ensure recruitment procedures are established and operated effectively to ensure only fit and proper persons are employed.
Full details of the regulations the provider is not meeting are at the end of this report.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices, and having regard to The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance’.
- Take action to ensure audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.
- Implement an effective system for recording, investigating and reviewing incidents or significant events with a view to preventing further occurrences and ensuring that improvements are made as a result.