Together Dental Hamsey Green

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 15 February 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. However, specific improvements could be made to the decontamination room.
• 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.
• Some staff had not produced their basic life support training certificates.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. However, improvements could be made to the control of substances hazardous to health file.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• Staff knowledge of reporting significant incidents could be improved upon.
• The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• 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.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has 36 practices and this report is about Together Dental Hamsey Green.

Together Dental Hamsey Green is in Warlingham and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice. The practice has made several adjustments to support patients with additional needs, in particular the downstairs toilet.

The dental team includes eight dentists, three dental nurses, five trainee dental nurses, two dental hygienists, a practice manager and two receptionists. The practice has five treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with a dentist, five trainee dental nurses, a dental nurse, a receptionist and the acting practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

• Monday 8am to 5pm
• Tuesday 8am to 8pm
• Wednesday 8am to 5pm
• Thursday 8am to 8pm
• Friday 8am to 5pm

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

• Take action to ensure staff have received training to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.

• Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken and the products are stored securely.

• Take action to ensure the suitability of the premises and ensure all areas are fit for the purpose for which they are being used. In particular the decontamination room.

• 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.