County Road Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 25 January 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 provider 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 ask the following questions:

• 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 practice appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and 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.
• The provider had effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• The provider asked staff and patients for feedback about the services they provided.
• The provider dealt with complaints positively and efficiently.
• The provider had information governance arrangements.

Background

County Road Dental Practice is in North Liverpool and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access to the practice via a portable ramp, 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 five dentists, nine dental nurses, three of whom are trainees, and two of whom have practice management responsibilities; and two receptionists. The practice has four treatment rooms.

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

The practice is open Monday 9am to 7pm, Tuesday 9am to 6pm, Wednesday 9am to 5pm, Thursday 8.30am to 4.30pm, and on Friday from 8.30am to 3.30pm.