The Fold

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 23 May 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. The system for ensuring medicines and equipment are checked could be improved.
• 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. Improvements could be made to the process for ensuring staff have evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• 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.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The Fold is in Manchester 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. Car parking spaces are available at nearby multi-storey car parks.

The dental team includes three dentists, four dental nurses (two of whom are trainees), one dental hygiene therapist and a practice manager. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, one dental nurse, the dental hygiene therapist 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 to Thursday from 9:00am to 5:00pm

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Improve the practice's protocols for identifying out of date emergency equipment and ensure that all items in this kit, reflect nationally recognised guidance.
• Take action to ensure that all clinical staff have adequate immunity for vaccine preventable infectious diseases.
• Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.