Archived: Northlight Dental

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 25 January 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. Improvements were required in regard to management of risks associated with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health for general cleaning products.
• 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 felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.

Background

Northlight Dental is in Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is 1 step into the practice with a portable ramp so that people who use wheelchairs can access the practice. Car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 6 dentists including specialist dentists in orthodontics and oral surgery, 3 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 dental therapist, 1 practice manager who is also a dental nurse and 1 receptionist. A dental sedationist from a company attends the practice to provide conscious sedation. Additionally, conscious sedation is also provided by 1 of the principal dentists.

The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 1 dental nurse, the receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday and Tuesday from 8.30am to 6pm

Wednesday and Thursday from 8.30am to 5pm

Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm

Saturday from 9am to 2pm

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, patient records were electronic and the practice was investigating the use of recyclable oral health products. The practice was also a collection point for recycling old toothbrushes and other oral health aids.

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 risk assessments are undertaken for all general cleaning products used in the practice.
• Review the necessity of a second oxygen cylinder where appropriate for the practice's circumstances.