Cheadle Hulme Dental and Cosmetics

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 20 March 2024 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 second CQC inspector and 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.
• Some improvements could be made to the practice infection control procedures.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Most appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• Some improvements could be made to the practice’s systems for managing risks for patients, staff, equipment, and the premises.
• 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. Improvements could be made to ensure these protocols were consistently followed.
• 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; however, improvements could be made to audits.

Background

Cheadle Hulme Dental and Cosmetics is in Stockport and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

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 practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 5 dentists, 1 dental therapist, 1 dental hygienist, 4 qualified dental nurses, 4 trainee dental nurses, 2 treatment co-ordinators, 3 receptionists, 1 marketing manager and a practice manager. The practice has 6 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 2 qualified dental nurses 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, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8.30am to 6pm

Tuesday from 9.30am to 7pm

Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm

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

• Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.
• Take action to ensure the availability of equipment and medicines in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK), the General Dental Council and British National Formulary.
• Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.