P J Laskowski Dental Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice had processes to identify and manage risks and staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice. Following feedback from the inspection team, the practice ensured that the risks associated with lone working had been assessed and mitigated in line with a risk assessment. Emergency equipment and medicines were available. Staff could access these in a timely way. Improvements were required to ensure that the emergency kit included all equipment necessary, as advised in guidance from the Resuscitation Council UK. Following the inspection, we saw that the practice had ordered a portable suction and had reviewed the processes for storing glucagon, which is a medicine used to treat low blood sugar, to ensure it was stored in line with manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, weekly (and not fortnightly) checks of the medical emergency equipment and medicines were introduced, in line with national guidance. Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year. Staff were encouraged to participate in medical emergency scenario training, which was organised and led by the principal dentist.

The premises were visibly clean and well maintained. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions. The practice had not acted on all recommendations from a fire risk assessment which had been completed by an external company on 27 July 2024. Outstanding actions included keeping a record of the annual fire drill and recording weekly testing of the smoke alarms and monthly checks of the fire extinguishers and fire exits. The fire risk assessment also advised additional fire exit signs. The practice took action to complete these outstanding actions immediately following our assessment, to ensure that fire safety was effective. The practice had systems for appropriate and safe handling of medicines. Antimicrobial prescribing audits were carried out.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff. Improvements were required to ensure that newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction. The practice rarely used agency or locum staff. The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover. Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient staffing levels. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. The practice had arrangements to ensure staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during 1-to-1 meetings and ongoing informal discussions. Staff stated they felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance. Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes. We observed the use of personal protective equipment and the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single use items were not reprocessed. The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment. The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning. Following feedback from the inspection team, the practice improved the storage of the colour coded mops to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Hazardous waste was safely segregated and disposed of. The equipment in use for decontaminating used dental instruments was well maintained and serviced. Immediately following our assessment, the practice ensured that all appropriate daily tests of the vacuum autoclave were being carried out, and the data logger was being periodically reviewed, in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. The practice completed infection prevention and control (IPC) audits in line with current guidance. Improvements were required to ensure that these audits evidenced and addressed all issues identified. The inspection team saw that there was damage to a chair, which meant it was not easy to clean. This had not been identified in the last IPC audit. The practice took immediate action to address this following our assessment.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.