Updated 8 April 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 10 March 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 appeared to be 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. The assessment of sharps and sepsis risks could be improved.
- 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. Systems to audit could be improved.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
Background
Alpha Dental Studio is in Kirkbymoorside, York and provides NHS dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. On street parking is available near the practice.
The dental team includes six dentists, seven dental nurses of which two are trainees, two dental therapists, a practice support manager and a receptionist. The practice has four treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses, a dental therapist, the receptionist, the practice manager, a regional manager and the registered 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 to 1pm and 1.45pm to 5.15pm
Fridays: 8.30am to 1pm and 1.30 pm to 4.30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.
- Take action to ensure audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.
- Take action to ensure staff have received training in the recognition, diagnosis and early management of sepsis in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance.