Updated 25 May 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 27 April 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.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Improvements could be made to the sharps risk assessment.
- 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. Systems were not in place to ensure Disclosure and Barring service checks were carried out at the point of employment.
- 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.
Background
NuDental is in Baildon 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. The practice has a car park, including dedicated parking for disabled people. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 4 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 2 dental therapists, 1 practice manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, the receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm
Wednesday and Thursday 8.30am to 7pm
Saturday 8.30am to 1pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that Disclosure and Barring Service checks, or a suitable risk assessment are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.
- Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.
- Undertake a privacy impact assessment for the use of closed-circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office.