7 May 2013
During a routine inspection
The dentist took time to explain the risks and benefits of any treatment. People were given written treatment plans including the potential costs of proposed treatment. People made up their own mind about how to progress and could withdraw consent at any time. The dentist was not, however, fully familiar with the guidance in relation to consent for children and when they could make their own decisions. The dentist was also not fully informed about the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the process for gaining consent from people who had limited mental capacity.
The practice and equipment was generally clean, but requirements of the code of practice for the prevention and control of infection for dental practices were not followed and not clearly understood by the provider. Staff were not using adequate personal protective equipment. There were no regular audits of the system of decontamination. The facilities were not adequate for safe decontamination. Some medicines were not safely and effectively managed.