The Market Place Family Dental Centre

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in line with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

Risk management relating to sharps safety, sepsis awareness and lone working was managed effectively.

Staff could access emergency equipment and medicines that were checked in line with national guidance. They knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

Staff providing treatment to patients under sedation had completed immediate life support training.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. We did, however, identify a loose handrail and a trip hazard on a stairwell. These issues had not been reported to head office in line with the provider’s reporting procedures. Following the inspection, the provider submitted evidence confirming that both matters had been addressed.

Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. `

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and the required radiation protection information was available.

The practice had systems for identifying and reporting risks, including when things go wrong, we found improvements should be made in this area.

We identified a number of fire safety concerns that had not been recognised or escalated for corrective action. Once these were highlighted during the inspection, the provider acted immediately and later submitted evidence confirming that all issues had been resolved and that the fire escape arrangements were safe and compliant.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were kept securely, and a log was in place to monitor and track their use.
 

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were enough staff on duty at all times.

Staff demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

The practice ensured staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, one-to-one meetings, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

Feedback from staff obtained during the inspection day, showed overall positive themes. Staff felt respected and listened to, supported and valued, the practice was a good place to work and leaders were approachable.
 

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.

Staff used personal protective equipment and decontaminated dental instruments after use, in line with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single-use items were not reprocessed.

The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance.

The practice had protocols in place to ensure effective cleaning and the safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste.

Clinical waste was stored inside the practice until its weekly collection. During the inspection, we noted that the area used to store clinical waste was not secured with a locked door. Following the inspection, the provider submitted evidence confirming that this had been addressed and that clinical waste was now stored securely until collection.

Equipment was being maintained and serviced in line with manufacturers’ instructions; however, we noted several dental stools, dental chairs and cabinetry required attention. A number of the stools and chairs had torn upholstery, which could compromise effective cleaning procedures. The provider submitted evidence confirming that all damaged cabinets, stools and chairs had been repaired or replaced following the inspection.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.