Ridgeway Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 1 March 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 appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice did not have infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• The practice hot water system was turned off and currently not used.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were not available.
• Mains wiring and portable appliance testing was not carried out in accordance with guidance.
• The practice did not ensure that practice fire protection was carried out in accordance with guidance.
• Clinical waste was not stored in accordance with guidance.
• The practice did not keep detailed dental care records in line with recognised guidance.
• 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.
• Antimicrobial prescribing audits were not carried out in accordance with guidance.
• The practice had not undertaken audits of dental care records in accordance with guidance.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• Governance was not effective.
• 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

Ridgeway Dental Practice is in Broadstone and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The access to the practice is via a staircase, making it difficult for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice.

The dental team includes a dentist and two dental nurses. The practice has one treatment room.

During the inspection we spoke with the dentist and two dental nurses. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

• Monday 8am to 6pm
• Tuesday 8am to 6pm
• Thursday 8am to 4pm

We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:

Full details of the regulations the provider was not meeting are at the end of this report.

• Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.

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

• Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.

• Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.

Where evidence is sent that shows the relevant issues have been acted on, we have stated this in our report but we cannot say that the practice is compliant for that key question as this would not be an accurate reflection of what was found on the day of our inspection.