24 January 2023
During a routine inspection
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 24 January 2023 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 advisor.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 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 appeared 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.
- 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.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
The provider is part of the Portman group, and this report is about Whitehall Dental Practice.
Whitehall Dental Practice is in South Molton and provides mainly private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice holds a small NHS contract.
There is step free 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 reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 4 dentists, 6 dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists, 2 receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental hygienist, 2 dental nurses, 2 receptionists, the practice manager and the quality lead for the company. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- 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, the surgical drill used for dental implants.
- Improve the practice's risk management systems for monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular, by updating the Legionella risk assessment for the premises and ensuring the antimicrobial audits have meaningful analysis, action plans and learning points for improvement.