Becontree Dental Studio

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 25 August 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 asked the following five 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 was visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• 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.
• 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.
• Emergency medicines and life-saving equipment were available as per national guidance; however, the equipment was not regularly checked to ensure that it was in date and suitable for use. We raised this with the provider and they immediately ordered replacements of the products which had passed their expiry date.

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

• Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.

Background

Family Dental Practice is in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is located on the ground floor of a converted house close to Becontree underground train station. There is ramp access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The team consists of three dentists, two dental nurses and a receptionist. The practice has two treatment rooms and a separate decontamination room.

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

The practice is open:

Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 5pm.

Friday from 9.30am to 4pm.