Space Dental

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 29 January 2024 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 advisor.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:

• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it caring?
• Is it responsive to people’s needs?
• Is it well-led?

These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.

Our findings were:

• The dental clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• Improvements could be made to the system managing the risks associated with the carrying on of the regulated activities.
• 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. Improvements could be made to the system for ensuring all visiting clinicians provide the correct information.
• Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
• The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.

Background

Space Dental is in Wakefield and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is lift 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 practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 13 dentists, 17 qualified dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 4 dental hygienist and therapists, 4 front of house staff (2 of whom are also treatment co-ordinators) and a practice manager. They are also supported by a telephone marketing team. The practice has 6 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist and therapist, the practice manager and the compliance manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.30pm

Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am to 4.30pm

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Improve the practice's risk management systems for monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the carrying on of the regulated activities.
• 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, the use of the cone-beam computed tomography machine.
• Improve the practice's recruitment policy and procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff.
• Improve the system for recording, investigating and reviewing accidents, incidents and significant events with a view to preventing further occurrences and ensuring that improvements are made as a result.