Updated 12 May 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 12 April 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. However, improvements could be made to stair carpet and light fittings.
- 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 help them manage risk to patients and staff. However, improvements could be made to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health file.
- 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.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. However, improvements could be made with the recruitment of a registered manager.
- 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
The provider has 172 practices and this report is about Mydentist - Exeter Road - Braunton.
Mydentist - Exeter Road - Braunton is in Braunton 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 via a portable ramp. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs.
The dental team includes two dentists, four dental nurses, a dental hygienist, three receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has four treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with a dentist, a dental nurse, two receptionists, a compliance lead, a practice manager and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
- Monday 8am to 4.30pm
- Tuesday 8am to 4.30pm
- Wednesday 8am to 4.30pm
- Thursday 8am to 4.30pm
- Friday 8am to 4.30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement systems for environmental cleaning taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health - Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices in particular ensuring stair carpet and light fittings are clean.
- Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken and the products are stored securely.
- Improve the practice’s arrangements for ensuring good governance and leadership are sustained in the longer term, in particular the recruitment of a registered manager.