Archived: Wentworth Dental Practice

Updated 12 August 2016

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the registered provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

The inspection was carried out on 13 July 2016 and was led by a CQC Inspector and a specialist advisor. Concerns had been raised previously and the practice had a focused inspection carried out on the 30 June 2016.

The methods that were used to collect information at the inspection included interviewing staff, observations and reviewing documents.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, two dental nurses (including the decontamination lead) and the practice manager. We saw policies, procedures and other records relating to the management of the service.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask 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 therefore formed the framework for the areas we looked at during the inspection.

Updated 12 August 2016

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 13 July 2016 to ask the practice the following key questions; Are services safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

We found that this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services effective?

We found that this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services caring?

We found that this practice was providing caring services in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services responsive?

We found that this practice was providing responsive care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services well-led?

We found that this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Background

Wentworth Dental Practice is an NHS and private dental practice situated in the centre of Easington Colliery, County Durham close to public transport links. The practice has two treatment rooms, both on the ground floor and a decontamination room. There is a reception and waiting area. Staff facilities were also located on the ground floor.

There are three dentists, a practice manager, a receptionist and two dental nurses (one of which is a trainee).

The practice is open:

Monday – Thursday 08:30 –17:30

Friday 08:30 – 14:00.

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the practice is run.

During the inspection we received feedback from five patients. The patients were positive about the care and treatment they received at the practice and they told us they were involved in all aspects of their care and all but one patient found the staff to be very friendly, exceptionally caring, they provide a high standard of care and were always treated with dignity and respect.

Our key findings were:

• The practice had systems in place to assess and manage risks to patients and staff including infection prevention and control, health and safety and the management of medical emergencies.
• The practice appeared clean and hygienic.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Infection control procedures were in accordance with the published guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• The appointment system met patients’ needs.
• The practice was well-led and staff felt involved and supported and worked well as a team.
• The governance systems were effective.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.
• There were clearly defined leadership roles within the practice.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements and should:

• Review the protocol for completing accurate, complete and detailed records relating to employment of staff. This includes making appropriate notes of verbal reference taken and ensuring recruitment checks, including references and immunisation status are suitably obtained and recorded.
• Review the protocol for completing accurate, complete and detailed records relating to employment of staff. This includes making appropriate notes of verbal reference taken and ensuring recruitment checks, including references and immunisation status are suitably obtained and recorded.
• Review the practice's protocols for completion of dental care records taking into account guidance provided by the Faculty of General Dental Practice regarding clinical examinations and record keeping.