Updated 16 June 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 11 May 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 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 adviser.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• 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.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
Druian and Spektor Limited, otherwise known as The London Centre For Cosmetic Dentistry, is a general dental practice in the London Borough of Camden that offers a full range of private dental services from a purpose adapted building owned by the principal dentist.
They are part of a corporate group of dentists which offers a co-ownership model whereby dental practice owners are classed as equity holders. At the time of inspection, there were over 120 practices in the group.
There is ramp access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Paid car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.
Treatments and services include dental check-ups and a full range of restorative and cosmetic dental surgery.
The dental team includes three dentists, four qualified dental nurses- two of whom undertakes reception duties, four dental hygienists and two receptionists. They are supported by two practice managers and visiting compliance advisors. The practice has four treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, five dental nurses/receptionists, a dental hygienist, the practice manager and two compliance advisors. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open from 7:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. During out of hours or when the practice is closed, patients are advised to contact the dedicated telephone number to access emergency care.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, all members of staff were encouraged to use reusable water bottles.