Updated 19 October 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 3 October 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.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- 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.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which broadly reflected current legislation.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Improvements could be made to mitigate risks in relation to sharps.
- 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
Neel Dentistry Limited is in Welwyn, Hertfordshire 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, 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 the principal dentist, 5 associate dentists including specialists in endodontics and orthodontics, 2 dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 locum dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist, 1 dental therapist, 1 accounts manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, 2 associate dentists, 2 dental nurses and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday from 9am to 7pm
Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 6pm
Wednesday from 9am to 8pm
Friday from 8am to 2pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure that all the staff have received training, to an appropriate level, in the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
- Improve the practice's recruitment procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff. In particular, satisfactory evidence of conduct in previous employment (references) and evidence of effective immunity for vaccine preventable infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B.
- Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.
- Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when prescribing antibiotics.