Stag 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 accordance 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 had processes to identify and manage risks and staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. Staff felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and this was generally reflected in our findings.

Emergency equipment and medicines were available, and staff could access these in a timely way. However, emergency equipment and medicines checks carried out had not identified an item was missing, or that an emergency medication had passed its expiry date. The practice had ordered replacements and were awaiting their arrival. We were advised the process for checking emergency equipment and medicines would be reviewed.

Staff 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 also completed immediate life support training.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. However, we noted there were no individual risk assessments for hazardous substances. We discussed this with staff and were assured it would be addressed and rectified.

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 management of fire safety was effective, and fire exits were clear and well signposted.

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, including agency or locum staff. However, improvements could be made to ensure this procedure is always followed.

We reviewed a selection of staff folders and noted 2 indemnity certificates had expired, 1 General Dental Council certificate had expired, and 1 Disclosure and Barring Service check had not been sought at the point of employment and there was no risk assessment in place. We discussed the importance of ensuring an effective recruitment process is in place and monitored accordingly. We were assured this would be addressed and rectified.

Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient levels of staff on duty at all times. 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 had arrangements to monitor staff training, including continuing professional development.

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 stated they felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in 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.

We observed use of personal protective equipment and the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned 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 to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste.

The equipment in use was maintained and serviced as per manufacturers’ instructions.

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.