Hatch End Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 28 March 2024 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 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 practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and most life-saving equipment were available.
• The practice had systems that required some improvements 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 practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation but improvements could be made to ensure procedures were followed at all times.
• 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 practice had information governance arrangements.

Background

Hatch End Dental Practice is in the London Borough of Harrow and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is one small step to access the practice. A portable ramp is available to assist people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 2 dentists, 2 qualified dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist and 2 receptionists. A visiting oral surgeon attends on an ad hoc basis. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist and 1 dental nurse. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday and Wednesday from 9am to 5pm

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 2pm

Friday and Sunday closed.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements.

• Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken and the products are stored securely.
• Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment. In particular, ensuring that electro-mechanical servicing was completed and rectangular collimators were retro-fitted.
• Improve the practice's recruitment policy and procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff.
• Implement practice protocols and procedures to ensure staff are up to date with their mandatory training and their continuing professional development.
• Implement a system to ensure patient referrals to other dental or health care professionals are centrally monitored to ensure they are received in a timely manner and not lost.