Stonegate Dental

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 30 June 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 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. However, the practice did not have an up to date gas safety certificate or risk assessments of hazardous substances.
• 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.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

Stonegate Dental is in the Meanwood area of Leeds and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is ramped access with some small steps to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. A removable ramp is available to negotiate the steps. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The dental team includes three dentists, two dental nurses including the practice manager and one dental hygiene therapist. The practice has two treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, one dental nurse 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 and Tuesday from 7am to 3pm

Wednesday from 8am to 3pm

Thursday from 7am to 3:30pm

Friday from 8am to 1pm

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

• 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 product safety data is available for all products.

• Take action to ensure the suitability of the premises and ensure all areas are fit for the purpose for which they are being used. In particular ensure that an up to date gas safety check is completed by a competent professional, and the relevant certification is in place.