Updated 16 March 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 4 March 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 provider 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 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.
Background
Beechwood Dental Care is in the village of Woodlesford near Leeds and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is on the first floor of a building in the centre of the village. Access is via a flight of stairs. For patients with restricted mobility, a neighbouring dental practice offers level access. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes four dentists, one dental hygienist, five dental nurses, who also have reception duties and a business manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with dentists, 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 to Friday from 9am to 5:15pm, with an hour’s lunch break from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.
Our findings were:
- The practice appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and 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.
- The provider had effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- The provider had information governance arrangements.