Archived: The Old Police House Dental Practice

We found that Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks were now in place for all staff at the surgery. This included staff that had been recruited since the last inspection. Staff had undergone specific training around the protection of vulnerable adults. There was information displayed and available for staff regarding circumstances where abuse might be identified and the correct ways for this to be escalated. Staff understanding of the processes to be followed was good. A policy was in place regarding safeguarding adults.

We also looked at the ways that staffing levels were monitored and the policies in place regarding recruitment and induction of new staff. We found that formal processes were in place and all the relevant policies were seen.

The two patients that used the service we spoke with on the phone said that they were happy with the service they received from the surgery. One person told us 'The dentist is excellent'. Another told us 'I am very happy with the service I have received'.

Patients told us they found the surgery to be clean and hygienic. We saw evidence that the premises were kept clean. We also saw evidence that there were effective infection control systems in place and practices followed.

Patients told us that staff checked their medical histories and medication on a regular basis. One person told us 'They went the extra mile when dealing with my medical condition'.

We saw a lack of evidence that dentists and dental nurses had been trained in safeguarding children and adults from harm, and there was a lack of systems in place to deal with recruitment and induction of new staff. We have asked the provider to take immediate action with regard to checks on staff, and for them to produce an action plan to tell us how they will address the other issues highlighted.