The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Bow House A Centre of Dental Excellence

75 Western Road, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 4BH (01442) 890384

Provided and run by:
EM Dental Surgery Limited

All Inspections

21 August 2023

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 21 August 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. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were 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 practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
  • 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.
  • Staff felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.

Background

Bow House A Centre of Dental Excellence is in Tring and provides 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 are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 6 dentists, 7 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 practice manager, 1 receptionist and 3 administrators. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

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

The practice is open:

Monday – Thursday 08:30 - 17:00

Friday - 08:30 - 16:00.

21 March 2013

During a routine inspection

We followed up minor concerns which had been identified as part of a previous inspection. We did not talk to people who used the service on this occassion. We found that the provider had listened to the concerns we raised and taken the necessary action to meet the requirements.

9 January 2013

During a routine inspection

People told us that they were happy with the service provided and that their dignity was maintained and their privacy protected. They said that they were encouraged to ask questions and they felt that staff had the time to answer their questions. People reported that staff were good at discussing all their treatment options with them. One person told us, 'The dentist always tells me about the prices and treatment options available, they tell me in terms which I can understand rather than using clinical terms' and that 'Staff always respect my privacy and dignity, they don't discuss anything outside the treatment room and they make me feel relaxed if I'm feeling nervous'. Another person told us, 'Staff always explain procedures to me, once I wanted a treatment which I'd heard about but they told me about a cheaper option which would be better for me'.

We found that the services were provided by staff who were appropriately supported in relation to their responsibilities. We identified some minor concerns around infection control which have been discussed in the main body of the report.