Updated 2 September 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 9 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 was visibly 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.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. However, we might found minor shortfalls in managing the risk associated with fire safety management.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children however not all staff were trained to the appropriate level.
- 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.
- 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
The provider has three practices and this report is about Eccleshall Dental Clinic.
Eccleshall Dental Clinic is in Eccleshall 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 some adjustments to support patients with additional needs.
The dental team includes four dentists, four dental nurses, two dental therapists and one practice manager and receptionist. The practice has two treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, one dental nurse and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday from 8.30am to 7pm
Tuesday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure audits of radiography are undertaken at appropriate intervals to improve the quality of the service.
- Take action to ensure that all the staff have received training, to an appropriate level, in the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and fire safety awareness.
- Improve the practice's systems for checking and monitoring equipment taking into account relevant guidance and ensure that all equipment is well maintained, in particular regular servicing of the emergency lighting within the practice.