Updated 17 August 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 2 August 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 was supported by a 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 appeared to be visibly clean, tidy and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance. The systems to monitor water management and staff immunity could be improved.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had systems to help them identify and 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.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
Craven Dental Care Limited is in Crosshills and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The dentist has a special interest in endodontics.
Wheelchair users can access the premises at the side of the building for the ground floor reception, surgery and bathroom. On street parking is available near the practice. The practice has made additional adjustments to support patients with additional needs including widening doors and hallways for power assisted wheelchairs and headrests which can be rotated to allow patients to be treated in wheelchairs.
The dental team includes one dentist, three part time dental nurses, a dental hygienist and a receptionist. The practice has two treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the dentist, three dental nurses and the dental hygienist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Thursday 8.15am to 4.30pm
Friday 8.15am to 1pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure that all clinical staff have adequate immunity for vaccine preventable infectious diseases.
- Take action to assess Legionella risks, 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, ensuring dental unit waterline disinfectant is used in line with manufacturer’s instructions).