Teckkam Dental Care Limited

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 3 August 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 appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance. We spoke with staff about how this could be improved.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available, with the exception of some sizes of clear face masks. These were ordered immediately by the provider, on the day of inspection.
• 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. We reviewed and discussed with the practice how audits could be improved and strengthened.
• 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

Teckkam Dental Care Limited is in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria 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 are available near the practice. The practice has made a couple of adjustments to support patients with additional needs, by having a portable ramp to assist entry to the practice and by widening the doorway to the ground floor treatment room, to aid access for wheelchair users.

The dental team includes two dentists, four dental nurses, two dental hygienists, one dental therapist and a practice manager. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, two 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, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 5pm; and on Thursday from 9am to 5pm.