Inglehurst Dental Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice had some processes to identify and manage risks and staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety.

Emergency equipment and medicines were available and checked in accordance with national guidance. Staff could access these in a timely way. Following feedback from the inspection team, the practice reviewed its processes for storing glucagon, (a medicine used to treat low blood sugar), to ensure it was stored in line with manufacturer’s instructions. Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available

The management of fire safety was mostly effective. The practice had addressed most of the findings from a fire risk assessment which had been completed in January 2025, including upgrading the fire alarm system and installing emergency lighting. Fire exits were clear, and the practice was looking to replace the fire doors. The practice took steps to display additional fire exit signs following feedback from the inspection team and started to log the weekly and monthly checks of the fire safety equipment.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were kept securely, and a log was in place to monitor and track their use.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff, including agency or locum staff. However, we found that these were not always followed. Specifically, some Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks had not been completed at the start of employment, and references verifying conduct in previous roles were not consistently obtained. Additionally, while all clinical staff had received Hepatitis B vaccinations, immunity levels had not always been confirmed. Following our feedback, the provider took prompt action to obtain the outstanding documentation.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient levels of staff on duty at all times. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

The practice had some arrangements to ensure staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. However, on the day of inspection, the provider was unable to locate evidence of some mandatory training for all staff members. Following the inspection, the provider submitted the missing documentation as evidence that the required training had been completed.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals and ongoing informal discussions.

Staff stated they felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance. Improvements were required to ensure the practice was performing the correct daily tests for the vacuum autoclave, in line with manufacturer’s instructions and guidance issued in Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: decontamination in primary care dental practices.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.

We observed use of personal protective equipment and the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single use items were not reprocessed.

The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance.

The practice had some protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste. However, improvements could be made to ensure the practice used safer sharps or alternative needle guards which incorporated features or mechanisms to minimise the risk of accidental injury.

The equipment in use was maintained and serviced as per manufacturers’ instructions.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.