Updated 9 February 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 23 January 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.
- 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.
- Overall, the practice had systems to manage risks for patients, equipment and the premises. However, improvements could be made to the management of risks associated with substances hazardous to health, and risks to staff.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation. Improvements could be made to ensure all checks are carried out at the point of recruitment.
Background
The provider is part of a dental group, with multiple practices. This report is about Mydentist - Meeting House Lane - Lancaster. The practice is in Lancaster in Lancashire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is ramped access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice is located close to local transport routes and 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 7 dentists, 10 dental nurses, 6 of whom are trainees, 1 dental hygienist, 2 dental therapists, 2 interim practice managers and 4 receptionists. The practice has 9 treatment rooms, 7 of which are currently in use.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, 2 receptionists, the lead regulatory officer for the group and the 2 interim practice managers. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday and Tuesday from 8.30am to 5.30pm
Wednesday from 8.30am to 7pm
Thursday from 8.30am to 8pm
Friday from 8.30am to 5pm
Saturday from 9am to 4pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the recruitment procedures to ensure that appropriate checks are consistently completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice. Take action to ensure assurance is sought that all clinical staff have adequate immunity for vaccine preventable infectious diseases.
- Review the practice's policy 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 for all substances and the products are stored securely.
- Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.