Batley Carr Dental Centre

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 15 June 2022 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 adviser.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:

• Is it safe?

• Is it effective?

• 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 to be visibly 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 help them identify and manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements could be made to assess sharps risks and prescription security.
• 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.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines. Systems to audit this could be improved.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information. A privacy impact assessment should be undertaken for the use of closed-circuit television cameras.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.

Background

The provider has three dental practices. This report is about Batley Carr Dental Centre which is in Dewsbury and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. They accept referrals for dental implants which are placed by a visiting clinician.

There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice has a car park which includes dedicated parking for people with disabilities.

The dental team includes nine dentists, nine dental nurses (including two trainees), one dental hygienist and a practice manager. The practice has four treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses, the practice manager and the area manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday – Friday 9am to 6pm

Saturday 9am to 11am

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

• Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.

• Improve the security of NHS prescription pads in the practice and ensure the systems to track and monitor their use are effective.

• Take action to ensure audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.

• Implement protocols for the use of closed-circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office.