Updated 15 December 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 15 November 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 always ask the following five 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 was visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. One item of life-saving equipment was missing on the day of inspection, this was ordered and available at the practice within 24 hours.
- The practice had systems to help them 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.
- Staff felt involved and 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 dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
The provider has 69 practices and this report is about Bhandal Dental Practice, 1- 3 Walsall Road.
Bhandal Dental Practice 1- 3 Walsall Road is in Darlaston, West Midlands and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level 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 additional needs.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 4 dental nurses and a practice manager. All dental nurses are trained to also work on the reception as required. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, (including 1 nurse who was providing support to this practice during the inspection), 1 receptionist and the area manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 6pm, Tuesday and Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm. The practice is closed at lunchtime each day between 1pm to 2pm.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, staff are encouraged to recycle wherever possible. The practice uses motion sensitive lighting, this helps to ensure that lighting is only used when the room is occupied.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice protocols regarding auditing patient dental care records to check that necessary information is recorded. Take action to ensure audits of radiography are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service. The practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.