HA1 Dental

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.

Although there are issues to be addressed, the impact of our concerns relates to the governance and the oversight of the risks, rather than a patient safety risk.

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 effectively and staff described the processes. This included sharps safety.

Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. They felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and this was reflected in our findings.

Staff could access emergency equipment and medicines that were checked in line with national guidance.

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 free from clutter. However, we noted some areas of disrepair including a broken bracket table on the dental chair in one of surgeries making it difficult to clean, and mould around the practice entrance. We discussed this with the provider and were assured they will take steps to address these issues.

Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. However, safety data sheets were not available for all hazardous substances used in the practice.

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

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available.

Management of fire safety was not fully effective. A fire risk assessment dated 11 October 2024 identified several recommendations that had not been implemented. These included appointing a competent contractor to assess the condition and compliance of fire doors, ensuring that extension cables were not used in designated areas, and confirming that emergency lighting was inspected and serviced at regular intervals. There was no documented evidence to confirm these had been addressed.

Fire alarms and emergency lighting were serviced a few days before the inspection. However, before this, the most recent recorded service had taken place in 2022.

Fire exits were clear and well signposted.

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. However, the policy was not fully adhered to.

We reviewed 6 staff files. There were no references on file for any staff members. Hepatitis B titre levels (to indicate immunity) were not available for 4 out of 6 staff members. Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks had been completed for 3 members of staff in the days before the inspection rather than at the point of recruitment.

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

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 did not always have oversight of staff training, including continuing professional development. Training was not up-to-date for all staff or reviewed at the required intervals. Training records were not available for 2 members of staff. In addition, for several other staff members, a significant proportion of the required training had been completed only in the days immediately preceding the inspection.

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 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.

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. However, we did note that radiographic holders were not pouched for storage in line with guidance. We discussed this with the provider and were assured this would be done going forward.

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.

The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste.

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

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits.

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