Updated 9 February 2024
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 3 November 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 second CQC inspector and 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.
- 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 respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- 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 were vacancies for clinicians and the provider was taking steps to recruit into vacant posts.
- 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 provider is part of a corporate group, Alliance Dental Care Limited, and this report is about West Country Dental & Implant Centre, which is in Barnstaple and provides NHS and 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 5 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 6 trainee dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 2 dental hygiene therapists, 2 practice managers (one of whom is also a trained dental nurse) and a receptionist. The practice has 8 treatment rooms (of which 1 is not currently in use).
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse, 1 trainee dental nurse, 2 practice managers and the provider. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Saturday 8:45am – 5.15pm. (On Wednesdays the practice is open until 6.30pm).
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure all clinicians are adequately supported by a trained member of the dental team when treating patients in a dental setting taking into account the guidance issued by the General Dental Council.
- The practice should ensure that, where appropriate, clinical audits have documented learning points, and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.
- Improve the practice's systems for checking and monitoring equipment taking into account relevant guidance. In particular, annual electrical mechanical checks for radiography equipment.