Updated 19 May 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 12 April 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 had access to a remote 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. Improvements could be made through the installation of a centrally located dedicated dental instrument decontamination room.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available. Improvements could be made by introducing regular antimicrobial audits.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- 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.
- 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 is a corporate provider and has a large portfolio of dental practices. This report is about Bridge Street Dental Centre.
Bridge Street Dental Centre is in Taunton and provides mostly private dental care and treatment for adults. There is a small NHS dental contract, for children.
There is one ground floor treatment room, and the provider has a portable ramp for wheelchair users, although the practice is not fully accessible. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes five dentists, two trainee dental nurses, one receptionist and a practice manager. The practice has five treatment rooms, although one is not currently in use.
During the inspection we spoke with three dentists, two trainee dental nurses, one receptionist, one acting practice manager, the provider head of compliance, business development manager and compliance advisor. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm.
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, and having regard to The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance’. In particular, in the installation of a dedicated decontamination room for the cleaning and sterilising of dental instruments.
- Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines, taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.