Updated 27 April 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 29 March 2023 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 advisor.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 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 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 most life-saving equipment were available. The practice arranged for the missing items to be replaced during the inspection.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment, and the premises.
- 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.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Sensu dental practice is in Marylebone in the London borough of Westminster and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is in the basement of the building and is not accessible to those with wheelchairs. The practice has arrangements to direct patients to their other practice in Southwark or other local practices. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.
The provider has 2 locations, and all staff work across both services. The dental team includes 2 principal dentists, 8 associate dentists, 3 specialist dentists, 4 dental nurses, 8 trainee dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 4 orthodontic therapists, 13 receptionists, 3 treatment coordinators, 3 administrators and 6 staff who covered practice management. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 of the principal dentists, 1 associate dentist, 1 dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist, 2 receptionists, the practice manager, and the compliance manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures, and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.
- Take action to ensure the availability of equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
- Take action to ensure audits of radiography are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service.