Oaklands Dental Care

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.

The practice identified and managed most risks effectively and staff described the processes. This included sharps safety, sepsis awareness and lone working. However, we noted some clinicians were not following the practices sharps risk assessment and were re-sheathing sharps by hand. The practice acted immediately and ensured all staff were aware to re-sheath using safety measures to prevent an increased risk of sharps injuries.

Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. They felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice.

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

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

Most emergency equipment and all medicines were available. Staff could access these in a timely way. We noted there were missing items from the kit. However, the practice acted immediately and sent evidence the missing items had been ordered in the days following the inspection.

Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. Improvements should be made to ensure staff had access to safety data sheets for all hazardous substances.

The practice should improve their systems and processes to manage fire safety effectively. The fire exits were clear and well signposted. However, we noted staff were not conducting monthly emergency lighting tests and the provider was not assured the fire risk assessment had been conducted by a competent person. The practice acted immediately and sent evidence following the inspection a fire risk assessment had been booked for 18 November 2025. They should ensure all recommendations from the fire risk assessment are actioned.

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 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 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, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

Staff felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff, including agency or locum staff. However, these were not always consistently followed.

We checked 7 staff files and noted satisfactory evidence of conduct in previous employment had not been obtained for 4 members of staff. The practice acted immediately and sent evidence following the inspection that these had been requested. The provider should ensure they follow an effective recruitment procedure to ensure appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.

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.

Equipment was maintained and serviced in line with manufacturers’ instructions.

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

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

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. We noted there were outstanding recommendations on the Legionella risk assessment from April 2025. The practice acted immediately and sent evidence most of these had been actioned in the days following the inspection.

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