Archived: Mydentist - Pyle Street - Newport

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 26 April 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.
• 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 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 dental group Mydentist, with multiple practices. This report is about Mydentist - Pyle Street - Newport.

The practice is in Newport on the Isle of Wight and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is located on the first floor and is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice is located close to local transport routes and car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes 1 dentist, 1 dental hygienist, 1 practice manager and 1 receptionist. Due to staff shortages, the practice currently uses agency dental nurses to support the dentist. The practice has 6 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the practice manager, the area development manager and the regulatory officer. We were also joined by 2 other practice managers from local practices. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 5pm

Tuesday and Thursday from 8am to 8pm

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.
• Improve the practice protocols and procedures to ensure staff are up to date with their mandatory training and their continuing professional development.