Davinci Dental Clinic

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 29 June 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. However, not all staff involved in the delivery of care and treatment to patients under sedation had the appropriate life support training.
• 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.
• 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 leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. At the time of inspection there was no registered manager in post as required as a condition of registration.
• 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, however protocols for the use of closed-circuit television required strengthening.

Background

Davinci Dental Clinic is in Wolverton, Milton Keynes and provides private dental care and treatment for adults.

The practice treatment rooms are on the first floor, which is accessed by stairs. People who use wheelchairs are directed to other local dental services.

Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice. The practice has long term plans to create ground floor surgeries to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 4 dentists, 6 qualified dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist, 2 practice managers and 1 receptionist. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 3 dental nurses, the receptionist, and the practice managers. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday from 8.30am to 5.30pm

Tuesday from 8.30am to 5.30pm

Wednesday from 8.30am to 5.30pm

Thursday from 8.30am to 5.30pm

Friday from 8am to 4pm

The practice has taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, reducing printing of documents, turning electricity off when not required and recycling where possible.

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

• Take action to ensure that all team members involved in the delivery of care and treatment to patients under sedation have the appropriate life support skills, taking into account the guidelines published by The Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry in the document 'Standards for Conscious Sedation in the Provision of Dental Care 2020’.
• Implement protocols for the use of closed-circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office.
• Take action to ensure the regulated activities at Davinci Dental Clinic are managed by an individual who is registered as a manager.