Wickham Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 17 August 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 practice appeared clean.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance, but improvements were needed.
• 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.
• Recruitment checks had been carried out, in accordance with relevant legislation to help them employ suitable staff.
• 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.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises but improvements were needed to ensure processes were effective.
• 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.
• 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

Wickham Dental Practice is in Wickham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is on the first floor. Patients are advised of this when they contact the practice.

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 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 student dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist, 1 treatment coordinator and 1 receptionist.

The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist and 1 student dental nurse.

We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

• 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Thursday
• 8.30am – 5.00pm Friday

We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:

• Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Take action to ensure that all clinical staff have adequate immunity for vaccine-preventable infectious diseases.