Apple Tree Dental Practice

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 accordance 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 had processes to identify and manage risks and staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. Staff felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and this was reflected in our findings.

Emergency equipment and medicines were available and checked in accordance with national guidance. Staff could access these in a timely way. 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; however, cleaning materials were stored in an accessible and unlocked cupboard. Following this feedback, the practice told us a lock will be fitted.

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

The practice had some arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment, and the required radiation protection information was available. Annual checks of the x-ray units were not being carried out. Following this feedback, the practice told us that these will be arranged. We do not assess compliance with the Ionising Radiation regulations 2017 and the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) regulations 2017 but we do request services provide evidence that demonstrates their compliance to inform our findings.

The management of fire safety was effective, and 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, including agency or locum staff. However, the practice did not always follow its own recruiting procedures.For instance, 2 staff members did not have Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates, some did not have proof of satisfactory conduct from previous employment, and others lacked evidence of protection against Hepatitis B. There were no assessments in place to manage the risks from these gaps. After the inspection, the practice acted quickly to fix these issues.

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

Newly appointed staff did not have an appropriate role specific structured induction. Following this feedback, we saw that a new induction checklist had been shared with all staff, and we were told that any new staff members will follow this induction programme.

Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient levels of staff on duty at all times.

Staff demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding. Safeguarding information was not available around the practice, however following this feedback, we were told that information including telephone numbers were now readily available. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

The practice had arrangements to ensure staff training, including continuing professional development (CPD), was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. However, CPD for 1 staff member was not available on the day of the inspection. In response to feedback, the practice submitted further CPD certificates for this staff member, and we noted that these had been completed on the day of the inspection and the 2 following days.

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 and ongoing informal discussions.

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

The practice had infection control procedures that generally reflected published guidance.

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

We observed use of personal protective equipment and the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned 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.

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

The equipment in use was maintained and serviced as per manufacturers’ instructions.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

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