Precious Dental Care

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Although there are still issues to be addressed, the impact of our concerns relates to the governance and the oversight of the risks, rather than a patient safety risk. We will follow-up with the provider in relation to governance shortfalls at a further inspection.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

Health and safety improvements had been made to install a restrictor to an upstairs window and restrict access to the cellar until renovations could be completed.

The sharps risk assessment had been updated to include the risk from all devices in use at the practice, and sharps injury protocols were updated.

Staff could access appropriate emergency equipment and medicines that were checked in line with national guidance. They knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support. Staff had also participated in medical emergency scenario training.

Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. Safety data sheets and risk assessments were now in place for general cleaning substances.

Equipment had been serviced appropriately, and an electrical fixed wiring inspection had been carried out. We saw evidence the faults and issues highlighted were immediately addressed.

Faults with the X-ray equipment had been repaired and the equipment was serviced and satisfactory for use. The local rules had been updated and were available to operators.

A new fire risk assessment had been carried out. Not all the immediate actions highlighted had been addressed. However, we saw communications with external contractors that this was in progress. The fire alarm had been serviced and staff carried out weekly testing. Evacuation protocols had been updated, and additional signage was in place. An inappropriate extinguisher had been replaced, the lock on the fire door had been replaced with a quick release type, and the area was free from clutter.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were kept securely, and a log was in place to monitor and track their use.

Current employer’s liability insurance was displayed.

We were told that collapsed cabinetry in one of the surgeries had been assessed by an external contractor, but there was no evidence of this.

No new staff had been recruited since the previous inspection. However, action had been taken to obtain Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for staff who did not have one at the point of employment.

Action had been taken to ensure clinical staff were vaccinated against bloodborne viruses. Booster vaccinations had been received where inadequate protection was identified, and testing was in progress to ensure these were effective.

The practice ensured staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.

Safeguarding processes had been updated and discussed with the team to ensure their understanding.

The decontamination room environment including walls, floors, the extractor fan, clinical cupboards and worksurfaces were visibly clean. Inappropriate clutter had been removed and all surfaces were cleanable. The practice should take further action to repair cabinetry and ensure the working environment supports staff to carry out a dirty-to-clean workflow and one-way process.

The premises were now visibly clean. Cleaning schedules and daily surgery set up checklists had been created, although these were not yet completed consistently.

Systems were now in place to upload and review evidence of consistent complete sterilisation cycles.

Staff had received appropriate training, and we saw new protocols had been discussed at a meeting to ensure understanding.

A Legionella risk assessment had been carried out but the report had not yet been received. Staff now used dental unit waterline disinfectant in line with the manufacturer’s instructions and bottles were visibly clean.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.