Updated 9 September 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 11 August 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 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 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.
- 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.
- There was effective leadership; however, improvements could be made to the auditing protocols to drive continued improvement.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation; however, improvements could be made to ensure the provider has oversight of staff training in relation to conscious sedation to ensure training is up to date and carried out as required.
Background
Glebe House Dental Care is in Virginia Water in Surrey 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. The practice is near local transport links and car parking spaces are available at the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs, for example the availability of information in large print if required.
The dental team includes two dentists, one visiting specialist in periodontics, one dental nurse and one dental nurse/receptionist. The practice has two treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with both dentists, the dental nurse and the dental nurse/receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday and Wednesday from 9am to 6pm
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 5pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure that all dental staff who assist in conscious sedation have the appropriate training and skills to carry out the role, taking into account guidelines published by The Intercollegiate Advisory Committee on Sedation in Dentistry in the document 'Standards for Conscious Sedation in the Provision of Dental Care 2015'. In particular in relation to Immediate Life Support training.
- Take action to ensure audits of radiography and infection prevention and control are undertaken at recommended intervals to improve the quality of the service. Also, implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.
- Improve the practice's systems for checking and monitoring equipment taking into account relevant guidance and ensure that all equipment is well maintained. In particular relating to the annual gas safety certification and the emergency lighting.