The London Road Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 3 November 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 appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance. We found these were not always applied consistently.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were not always available as required.
• Systems to help manage risk to patients and staff were not always effective.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. Not all staff had completed training to an appropriate level.
• Staff recruitment procedures did not reflect current legislation. Required pre employment information was not always available.
• 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.
• Governance and oversight procedures were not effective. Systems were not embedded, and ongoing monitoring of the safety and effectiveness of the service was not always carried out.
• 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.

Background

The provider has 1 practice and this report is about The London Road Dental Practice.

The London Road Dental Practice is in Leicestershire 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 not available near the practice. The practice has made limited adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes 5 dentists, 5 dental nurses (2 of whom are trainees), 1 dental hygienist,1 receptionist, 1 clinical lead, 1 accounts manager and 1 reception manager. The practice has 6 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 receptionist, the clinical lead, accounts manager and reception manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm.

We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:

• Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.

Full details of the regulation the provider is not meeting are at the end of this report.

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

• Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.