Updated 25 August 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 4 August 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 always ask the following five 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements could be made to ensure recommendations made within risk assessments were actioned within the suggested timescales.
- There was effective leadership; however, improvements could be made to the auditing protocols to drive continued improvement.
Background
Langley's Dental Centre is in Virginia Water in Surrey and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is part of a group with 129 locations at the time of the inspection.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs for example with the availability of a hearing induction loop.
The dental team includes four dentists, two dental specialists; in endodontics and orthodontics, three dental nurses, three dental hygienists, two dental therapists, two receptionists, one additional member of support staff and a practice manager. The practice has four treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with three dentists, one dental nurse, one dental hygienist, the area compliance 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, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 5.30pm
Tuesday from 9am to 8pm
Friday from 9am to 3.30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice protocols regarding auditing patient dental care records to check that necessary information is recorded.
- Review the fire safety risk assessment and ensure that any actions required are complete and ongoing fire safety management is effective.