• Dentist
  • Dentist

The Ware Centre of Dental Excellence

23-24 Tudor Square, West Street, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 9XF

Provided and run by:
Hill Smile Academy Limited

All Inspections

23 January 2024

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 24 January 2024 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 and a second CQC inspector.

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.
  • 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 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

The Ware Centre of Dental Excellence is in Ware 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. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 4 dentists, 5 dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists, 1 practice manager and 2 receptionists. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

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

The practice is open:

Monday to Thursday 9am until 5.30pm

Fridays 9am until 5pm.

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

  • Take action to ensure that audits of antimicrobial prescribing have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.

16 January 2014

During a routine inspection

When we inspected the Ware Centre of Dental Excellence on 16 January 2014 we found that people were provided with information about their treatment and they were asked for their consent. One person said, 'I was given sufficient information about what my options were and how much it would cost. Then I got lots of paperwork to read and signed to say I understood and agreed to go ahead.'

People's needs were assessed and treatment was planned and delivered in line with those individual needs. One person told us, 'They did an x-ray, assessed my gums and discussed my medication. Very thorough.'

Emergency oxygen, medicines and an automatic external defibrillator were available for use in an emergency.

People's perception of the practice was of a safe, clean and hygienic environment. One person told us, 'It is absolutely spotless, and they all wear protective goggles, masks and gloves.'

The instrument decontamination and packaging cycle was in accordance with 'best practice' as described in the Department of Health guidance on decontamination.

Staff received appropriate training that was relevant to their role and that enabled them, where necessary, to maintain their professional registration. Staff were also supported by annual appraisals and by monthly staff meetings.

The provider had an effective governance process in place that took the form of an on-line compliance management system. We found that the provider carried out a range of audits and responded to shortfalls. The provider also actively sought feedback from people who used the service.