Updated 21 November 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 6 November 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 service 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 clinic had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The clinic had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The clinic 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 service had information governance arrangements.
Background
The provider is part of a corporate group, Community Dental Service and is a community interest company (CDS-CIC). This report is about the Dental Care Centre in Bedford.
The Dental Care Centre runs NHS clinics providing:
- General access and routine care
- Referral services for adults and children with special needs
- Endodontic services
- Periodontal services, providing consultation and treatment
- Consultant led inhalational and intravenous sedation services.
There is step free access to the service for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the clinic. The service has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 10 dentists, 14 dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, 1 practice manager, 4 administrators and 3 receptionists. The clinic has 8 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 receptionist, the Clinical Governance Lead, the Operations Lead and the Operations manager for the People’s Team. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The service is open: Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm.