Updated 31 August 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 18 August 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 was visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance. Minor improvements could be made to these to fully reflect national guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. On the day of inspection, emergency medicines and life-saving equipment did not entirely reflect national guidance. This was addressed immediately.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements could be made to the process for managing the risks associated with hazardous substances and X-ray equipment.
- 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.
- 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
Health and Smile Dental Practice is in Hartlepool and provides 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 disabled people, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes two dentists, three dental nurses and one dental hygienist. The practice has two treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists and three dental nurses. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 6pm
Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 5pm
Saturday from 10am to 1pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices. In particular, using an illuminated magnifying glass and a lockable box to transport sterilised instruments.
- Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment. In particular, ensuring that intra-oral X-ray equipment is tested at the appropriate intervals.
- 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.
- Improve the practice's system for ensuring medical emergency equipment and medicines reflect guidelines issued by the British National Formulary and the Resuscitation Council (UK).