Updated 25 January 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 10 January 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 adviser.
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 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and 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 dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
Burton Croft Dental Care is in Leeds and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available at the practice.
The dental team includes 3 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists, a dental therapist, a receptionist and an administrator. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses, a dental hygienist, and the practice administrator. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday and Thursday: from 8am to 5:30pm, Tuesday: from 9am to 7pm, Wednesday: from 9am to 5:30pm, Friday: from 9am to 5pm and alternate Saturdays: from 9am to 1pm.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, the practice had twinned their toilet with others in three countries in Africa. Through the twinning process the practice financially supported those facilities in Africa.
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) and the General Dental Council.