Elmet Dental Care

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 30 August 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 usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:

• Is it safe?

• Is it effective?

• 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.
• 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.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• 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.
• Systems to ensure patient consent is recorded consistently could be improved.
• There was effective leadership.
• Improvements could be made to the practice’s quality assurance processes.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

Elmet Dental Care is in Sherburn in Elmet, Leeds and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access at the rear of the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice had made adjustments to support patients with additional needs. For example, there was an accessible toilet, ramp access for wheelchairs and pushchairs and a hearing loop. The treatment rooms were on the ground floor and patient information leaflets were available in large print if requested.

The dental team includes five dentists, six dental nurses, one dental hygiene therapist, a practice manager and a receptionist. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with three dentists, two dental nurses, and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Thursday 8:30am – 6pm and Friday 8:30am – 4pm.

By appointment only on a Saturday.

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

• Improve the practice's procedures for obtaining patient consent to care and treatment to ensure they are in compliance with legislation, taking into account relevant guidance.
• Implement audits for the placement of dental implants taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.