Hazelwood Dental Practice

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 line with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

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.

The practice identified and managed most risks effectively and staff described the processes. This included sharps safety and sepsis awareness.

Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. They felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice.

Staff could access 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 every year.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. At the time of our inspection there were no Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessments and safety data sheets available. Following our inspection, information was received to show this information was available for staff.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available.

The week prior to our inspection, a fire alarm was installed and processes put in place to monitor fire safety equipment. Fire exits were clear however, improvements were required for the fire exit signage. This was addressed following our inspection.

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.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedure to help them employ suitable staff. We found that although these reflected relevant legislation, they were not consistently applied and not all required pre-employment information was available for all staff members.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff had a basic induction to the practice. However, improvements could be made by implementing a structured induction checklist and keeping a record of this in staff files. Following our inspection, we received a template to demonstrate the induction checklist to be used for any future new staff.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were enough staff on duty at all times. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally. We found there were limited processes in place for ‘Was Not Brought’ to enable the practice to monitor vulnerable patients who were not brought for their appointments.

The practice had recently subscribed to an on-line compliance system to assist with ensuring staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.

There were processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities within their capabilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

Staff felt respected, supported and valued and they were happy to work in the practice.

The practice had infection control procedures that mostly reflected published guidance.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.

Staff used personal protective equipment and decontaminated dental instruments after use, in line with national guidance. We saw and staff confirmed that single-use items were not reprocessed.

The practice had completed a Legionella risk assessment in October 2025. At the time of our inspection there was no evidence to show flushing of the dental unit water lines and monitoring of the water temperatures was not consistent.

The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste.

Equipment was maintained and serviced in line with manufacturers’ instructions.

The practice completed an infection prevention and control audit in line with current guidance on 13 October 2025. There was no evidence of past audits available.

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