Updated 20 April 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 5 April 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.
- 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 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
The provider is part of a dental group, with multiple practices. This report is about Genix Whitley Bay.
The practice is in Whitley Bay in North Tyneside and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the practice, via a lift, 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 6 dentists, 5 dental nurses including 3 trainees, 1 practice manager and 3 receptionists. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 4 dentists, 3 dental nurses, the registered manager and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 5pm
Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 7pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Review the practice’s systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular, ensure the ongoing management of fire safety is effective and risks to unvaccinated staff are appropriately considered and mitigated.
- 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.
- Review the practice's procedures to ensure patient referrals to other dental or health care professionals are followed up to ensure they are received in a timely manner and not lost.