Updated 18 May 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 19 April 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 practice was visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures in place which took account of published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available, except for two sizes of face masks.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. We found that other measures could be put in place to reduce risk further.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected legislation. The provider carried out pre-employment checks with the exception of carrying out Disclosure and Barring Service checks on two staff prior to them starting work at the practice.
- 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.
- Staff dealt with complaints efficiently.
- The practice had information governance arrangements in place.
Background
The provider has one dental practice, Lymm Dental Practice, which this report is about.
Lymm Dental Practice is in Lymm and offers private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the reception area of the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. Treatment rooms are on the first floor of the building accessed via a flight of stairs.
The dental team includes three dentists, three dental nurses, one of whom is a trainee, and one dental hygienist. The practice has two treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke to the provider and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures, and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday 8.00am to 5.00pm,
Tuesday and Wednesday 9.00am to 5.00pm,
Thursday 8.00am to 6.00pm,
Friday 8.00am to 4.00pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular, review the guidance in relation of Legionella risk assessors and about schematic diagrams, review the provision of emergency lighting and fixed electrical installation inspections, and review guidance relating to the display of information for staff injured by a used sharp.
- Improve the recruitment procedure to ensure that Disclosure and Barring Service checks are completed prior to all new staff commencing employment at the practice.
- Implement an effective system for identifying, disposing and replenishing of out-of-date stock.
- Take action to ensure the regulated activities at Lymm Dental Practice are carried on by a provider registered with CQC in the correct legal entity.