Updated 29 March 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 1 March 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 five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three 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 appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Arrangement were made to ensure appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements could be made to manage Midazolam reconciling and administration and sharps risks.
- 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.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- 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 and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and 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 dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
The provider has one practice and this report is about Exeter Advanced Dentistry.
Exeter Advanced Dentistry is in Exeter and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There are some steps to the practice. The practice is not suitable for people who use wheelchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.
The dental team includes nine dentists, two dental hygienists, six dental nurses and three apprentice nurses, six receptionists, one patient coordinator and a practice manager. The practice has four treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with five dentists, five dental nurses, one receptionist, one business manager and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday 8:30am – 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 7:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am – 7:30pm
Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management. In particular, with regard to oversight of Midazolam.
- Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular, by revising the sharp instrument risk assessment and assessing the risk of an emergency medicine held in a delivery form outside of recommended guidance.