Updated 3 July 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 8 June 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.
- 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.
- Overall, the practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. However, improvements should be made to the recording and reflection of incidents and accidents.
- 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; however, improvements should be made in relation to the induction protocols.
- 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
Esh Winning Dental Health Centre is part of Dentex a dental group provider. The practice is in Esh Winning in County Durham and provides NHS 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. The practice is located close to local transport routes and car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses including 1 trainee, 1 dental hygienist, 1 dental therapist, 1 practice manager (who is also a qualified dental nurse) and 2 receptionists. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the dentist and dental nurses. The inspection was also supported by 1 of the group’s business development managers and compliance coordinator. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday from 8am to 7pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8.45am to 5.30pm
Friday from 8.45am to 5pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement an effective system for recording, investigating and reviewing incidents or significant events with a view to preventing further occurrences and ensuring that improvements are made as a result.
- Improve the practice's recruitment policy and procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff. In particular ensure newly appointed staff undergo a thorough induction and records are maintained to reflect this.