Stratford Dental Centre

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 4 December 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 advisor.

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.
• Action has been taken to address the infection control issues identified on the day of inspection.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Systems to ensure that appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available required improvement.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises although some improvements were required.
• 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.
• 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

Stratford Dental Centre is part of Gensmile, a group dental provider. Stratford Dental Centre is in Stratford, Warwickshire 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 6 dentists, including 1 specialist dentist, 3 qualified and 3 trainee dental nurses, 3 dental hygienists, 2 practice managers who are also qualified dental nurses and 2 receptionists. The practice has 6 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 receptionists the clinical manager, the practice manager and a compliance manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday from 8am to 6.45pm,

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am to 5pm

Friday from 8am to 3pm.

The practice is also open one Saturday each month from 8.30am to 1.30pm.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, staff are encouraged to recycle wherever possible. Patient appointment reminders are sent by email or text and patients are only sent paper reminders where they have expressed this as a preference. Staff turn lights off when not in the room and the toilet and kitchen has sensor lights which automatically turn off when no movement is detected.

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

• Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account HPA-CRCE-010 Guidance on the Safe Use of Dental Cone Beam (Computed Tomography).
• Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account current guidance when completing dental care records.
• Implement practice protocols and procedures to ensure staff are up to date with their mandatory training and their continuing professional development.