Updated 23 June 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 31 May 2023 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 life-saving equipment were available. Some items had passed their expiry date, immediate action was taken to address and learn from this.
- The practice had systems 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. The practice should review the system to carry out Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and obtain evidence of Hepatitis B immunity.
- 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
Nether Edge Dental Practice is in Sheffield and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. On street parking was available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 2 part time dentists, 2 dental nurses, one of whom manages the practice and 1 part time dental therapist. The practice has 1 treatment room.
During the inspection we spoke with both dentists and both dental nurses. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday 9am to 6pm
Tuesday 8am to 8pm
Wednesday 9am to 5.30pm
Thursday and Friday 8am to 1pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK).
- Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.