Updated 6 October 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 12 September 2022 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 adviser.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we usually ask 5 key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following 3 questions were asked:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The dental clinic was visibly 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.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- 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, except for periodontal treatment which required further review.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership.
- Improvements could be made to the practice’s quality assurance protocols.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
The provider has multiple practices and this report is about Doncaster Road Langold.
Mydentist - Doncaster Road, is in Langold, Worksop and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs, for example, there was a hearing loop and reading glasses in reception, an accessible toilet, ground floor treatment rooms and access to interpreter services.
The dental team includes 5 dentists, 6 dental nurses, a receptionist and the practice manager.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses and the receptionist. The practice was supported during the inspection by the area team officers and the practice manager from a sister practice.
We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Wednesday 9am – 5:30pm and Thursday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, they had replaced all light bulbs with an energy efficient alternative. They were in the process of reducing single use plastics where possible and have provided environmental education training for the team. Staff also told us they were encouraged to offer environmental sustainability suggestions.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure the clinicians carry out patient assessments and ensure they are in compliance with current legislation and take into account relevant nationally recognised evidence-based guidance. In particular: periodontal pocket charting.
- Take action to ensure audits of radiography are undertaken in line with current guidance.