Priory Park Dentalcare

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 20 April 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. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff although there were shortfalls in the management of risks associated with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.
• 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.
• 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.

Background

Priory Park Dentalcare is in St Albans and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. It is a small and well-established practice with longstanding staff.

There is access to the practice via a fixed ramp and one small step. People who use wheelchairs or have mobility difficulties are assisted into the practice. Car parking spaces, including parking for people with disabilities, are available immediately outside the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes two dentists and one dental nurse. The practice has one treatment room and a dedicated decontamination room.

During the inspection we spoke with one dentist and one dental nurse. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am to 5pm.

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's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken for all cleaning products used in the practice.