• Dentist
  • Dentist

Paul Lowe Dentistry

31 Farmhouse Way, Monkspath, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4EH (0121) 711 2424

Provided and run by:
Great Smiles Dental Spa Ltd

Latest inspection summary

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Overall inspection

Updated 30 May 2022

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 21 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 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 mostly reflected published guidance.
  • Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Not all life-saving equipment was available, however the provider sent us evidence following the inspection they had ordered the missing pieces of equipment.
  • 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.
  • 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. However, audits of anti-microbial prescribing had not been undertaken. The provider sent us evidence following the inspection that these were now being completed.
  • 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.

Background

Paul Lowe Dentistry is in Solihull, West Midlands 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, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes three dentists, six dental nurses (including two trainee dental nurses), three dental hygienists, and two practice managers. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, three dental nurses, 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 from 8am to 1pm and from 2pm to 7pm.
  • Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm.
  • Thursday from 8am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm.

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

  • Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices, and having regard to The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance’ In particular, hand washing facilities, logs for the use of brush and gloves, solution used for cleaning equipment and ensuring the room is well ventilated at all times.

  • Ensure all emergency equipment is available in accordance with national guidance.

  • Take action to ensure audits of anti-microbial prescribing are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service. Practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.