East Ayton Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 13 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 however systems to check emergency medicines and life-saving equipment needed review.
• The practice had systems to help them manage most risks to patients and staff, we noted however that fire safety and water management systems needed review.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The provider had a staff recruitment procedure in place. However, improvements were needed to ensure important checks were carried out at the time of recruitment.
• 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.
• Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.

Background

East Ayton Dental Practice is on the outskirts of Scarborough and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available on the street outside the practice.

The dental team includes four dentists, four dental nurses, one dental hygienist and a receptionist. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses and the reception staff. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm and Friday 8:30pm to 3:30pm.

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

• Take action to ensure ongoing fire safety and water systems management are effective.
• Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
• Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.