Updated 24 June 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 7 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. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- 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
MyDentist – Barking Road – Plaistow is part of a corporate group provider, is located in the London Borough of Newham and provides NHS and 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. Pay and Display car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice is located close to public transport bus services.
The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs, including the provision of step free access to surgeries and adapted toilet facilities on the ground floor and a hearing induction loop.
The dental team includes four general dental practitioners, one orthodontist, five dental nurses, two trainee dental nurses and one dental hygienist. The clinical team are supported by a practice manager and a team of four receptionists.
The practice has six treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses, two receptionists and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open between 9am and 5pm Mondays to Fridays and between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays for hygiene appointments. Orthodontist appointments are available one Saturday per month.