Hockley Heath Dental Care

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in line with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice identified and managed risks and staff described the processes. This included sharps safety, sepsis awareness and lone working.

Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. They felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice.

Items of the medical emergency kit that were missing were replaced during the inspection. The provider gave assurances that the checklist used to monitor emergency medicines and equipment would be revised to ensure that all items required under current national guidance were included. The provider also confirmed that checks of emergency medicines and equipment would be undertaken at the frequency recommended by national guidance.

We found that refrigerator temperatures exceeded the recommended maximum range for the storage of medicines. Medicines requiring refrigeration should be stored between 2°C and 8°C. Following this inspection, we were informed that the fridge thermostat had been re-set and evidence was sent to demonstrate that temperatures were now within the required temperature range.

Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. We saw that Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessments had been completed for hazardous substances used within the practice and were informed that safety data sheets were available for products in use. Following the inspection, copies of the relevant safety data sheets were made readily accessible to staff.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

The practice had arrangements in place to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment; however, there was scope for improvement in the oversight and timely completion of actions identified following testing. The annual servicing and quality assurance checks for the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) equipment identified actions requiring attention. The servicing report advised the practice to seek guidance from their Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA). Following this inspection, we received evidence that the practice had contacted their RPA, sending them the required information and they were awaiting a response.

We also reviewed the Critical Examination and Acceptance Test report for a newly purchased handheld X-ray machine. The report contained recommendations and advised the practice to consult with their RPA regarding the findings. Following the inspection, we received evidence demonstrating that the practice had contacted their RPA and were awaiting advice in relation to the actions identified.

We do not assess compliance with the Ionising Radiation regulations 2017 and the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) regulations 2017 but we do request services to provide evidence that demonstrates their compliance to inform our findings.

The practice had some systems in place to manage fire safety, and fire exits were clear, but not all escape routes were well signposted. We were given assurances, that additional signage would be put in place. Emergency lighting was not serviced in accordance with legislation. Other fire safety equipment in place was checked and serviced in accordance with legislation.

The practice had completed an internal fire risk assessment which was reviewed annually. To ensure compliance with fire safety legislation, the provider scheduled an external professional to conduct a fire risk assessment at the practice on 14 August 2026. We were assured that any fire safety issues identified would be addressed.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were kept securely, and a log was in place to monitor and track their use.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were enough staff on duty at all times. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

The practice had some systems to ensure staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals although improvements were required.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

Staff felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

We identified concerns regarding the condition of certain fixtures and fittings within one of the dental surgeries. The upholstery in the dental chair was damaged. We were told that a quote would be obtained and work completed to repair the damage. The flooring adjacent to a doorway was not effectively sealed. Following this inspection, we were informed that the floor was due to be repaired on 14 August 2026.

We reviewed validation records for the ultrasonic cleaner and found evidence of a foil efficacy test dated January 2025. However, no records of subsequent testing were available. Following this inspection, we received assurances that a foil efficacy test had been completed and would be completed quarterly going forward.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.

Staff used personal protective equipment and decontaminated dental instruments after use, in line with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single-use items were not reprocessed.

The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance. However, we noted that water temperatures recorded were not always reaching the hot water temperature requirements.

The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste. We were told that a builder had been contacted to secure the clinical waste bin to prevent unauthorised removal as this was stored in an area accessible to the public.

Equipment was maintained and serviced in line with manufacturers’ instructions.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits, although improvements were required as audits seen did not record a summary or action plan.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.