Market Street Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 4 October 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 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 was visibly clean and well-maintained.
• 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. Changes could be made to the auditing protocols to drive further improvement.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance. Some improvement was needed in relation to storing instruments in a moist state until ready to be cleaned and decontaminated.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• 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.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements were needed to ensure any recommendations made within a risk assessment are actioned. In addition, a plan should be put in place to safely evacuate patients with reduced mobility in the event of a fire.

Background

Market Street Dental Practice is in Alnwick in Northumberland and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is in a mid-terrace, town centre, first floor property with access via stairs. There is a stair-lift available to assist patients with reduced mobility. The practice is located near local transport routes and car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs; for example, the availability of a hearing induction loop and information in large print.

The dental team includes 5 dentists, 7 dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 3 dental therapists, 1 receptionist, 1 dental nurse/receptionist, 1 practice manager/dental nurse and a business manager. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 1 dental nurse, 1 receptionist, the practice manager and the business manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30am to 5.30pm

Wednesday from 8.30am to 6pm

Friday from 8.30am to 5pm

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Take action to improve audits to ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points, action plans and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.
• Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities.