The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Dr M Gibbons & Associates Dental Surgery

Dene-Hollow, Neachells Lane, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV11 3RF (01902) 732487

Provided and run by:
Dr. Matthew Gibbons

All Inspections

23 March 2023

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 23 March 2023 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. Not all medical emergencies equipment was available.
  • The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
  • Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
  • The staff recruitment procedure did not reflect current legislation. Not all staff had appropriate employment checks carried out before commencing employment.
  • 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. Audits of radiography had not been undertaken.
  • Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team, however there was no formal appraisal system in place for staff.
  • Patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
  • Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
  • The practice had information governance arrangements.

Background

Dr M Gibbons and Associates Dental Surgery is in Wolverhampton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free 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 5 dentists, 8 dental nurses (including 2 trainee nurses), 1 dental hygienist, 1 administrator and 2 receptionists. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and the practice owner. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Thursday from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5.30pm

Fridays from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm.

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

  • Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.
  • Take action to ensure audits of radiography are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service. Practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.
  • Take action to ensure the availability of equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
  • Take action to implement a staff appraisal system.

5 March 2014

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We carried out an inspection of this dental practice on 24 September 2013. We found a number of shortfalls with regards to the way the practice was being managed, that could have an impact on the care and treatment people received. The provider was requested to provide an action plan to tell us what measures they would take to address the shortfalls identified at the last inspection. The provider did not respond to this request. This follow up inspection was carried out to establish what action the provider had taken to address the shortfalls identified.

During this inspection we spoke with the provider, practice manager and a dental nurse. We did not speak with people who use the service as this inspection was to look at systems and practices implemented to address the shortfalls identified at the last inspection. The dental team consisted of a practice manager, five dentists, one hygienist and nine dental nurses.

The dental records we looked at showed that people's consent was obtained before they received treatment.

People's medical history was reviewed but there was a lack of consistency to ensure that the computer system was up dated with this information.

Staff were provided with some support to undertake their role but this was insufficient to ensure all staff's training and development needs were met appropriately.

24 September 2013

During a routine inspection

This practice was located on the ground and first floor level and was accessible to people who have restricted mobility. Ramp access was available but there were no disabled parking bays and toilets were situated on the first floor. The premises consisted of five treatment rooms and a reception/waiting area. The dental team consisted of a practice manager, five dentists, one hygienist and eight dental nurses.

During this inspection we spoke with the practice manager, the registered provider, two dental nurses and seven people who used the service.

We found that people were informed of their treatment options but their consent for treatment was not always obtained. One person who used the service said, "My consent for treatment has never been asked for.'

Dental records showed the treatment people had received but we found that the delay in follow up appointments could place their oral health at risk.

Staff had received safeguarding training and had a good understanding of how to protect people from potential abuse.

We found that the decontamination process for dental instruments was satisfactory.

Staff had access to relevant training to ensure they had the skills and competence to undertake their role but they were not provided with relevant support or supervision. However, one person who used the service said, 'The staff are good and very polite.'

27 March 2012

During a routine inspection

Dr Gibbons & Associates Dental Surgery provides ground and first floor facilities; the ground floor comprises reception/waiting area two treatment rooms and a hygienist room. Located on the first floor were two treatment rooms, toilets and a decontamination room. There are no toilets located on the ground floor. Ramp access is available at the front of the premises and there are limited car parking facilities.

The practice has four dentists, a hygienist, nine dental nurses and a practice manager.

The practice manager confirmed that appropriate safety checks had been carried out to ensure the suitability of staff who work at the practice.

The absence of on going essential staff training does not ensure that staff will have the skills or competence to deliver an effective service.

We found that staff had a good understanding of the decontamination of instruments to ensure people are not placed at risk of contracting avoidable infections.

We spoke with five people who had recently accessed the service; these were some of their comments:

'My dentist always explains what treatment I need and they always listen to my views.'

'I'm a nervous patient and my dentist is very reassuring and explains everything to me.'

'The practice always seems clean and tidy.'

'My privacy and dignity is always respected.'

'The service I receive is fantastic and I have every faith in the staff.'

'I'm quite happy with the service provided.'