Updated 1 November 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 29 September 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 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 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.
- 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.
Background
Bishopsgate Dental Care is 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 are136 practices in the group.
Bishopsgate Dental Centre is in Bishopsgate; a short walk from Liverpool Street in the City of London and provides private dental care and treatment for mainly adults and a small percentage of children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are limited in and around the practice as it sits in a highly populous and busy area. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs, for example, internal lift access is available to the first floor of the practice for those with mobility issues.
The dental team includes 6 dentists, 3 qualified dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 3 dental hygienists (one of whom is also a therapist), 1 orthodontic therapist and 2 receptionists. They are supported by a full-time practice manager and visiting corporate level compliance advisors who works peripatetically across the practices in the group. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 qualified dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist, 1 receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday 8am to 7pm
Tuesday & Thursday 8am to 6pm
Wednesday 8am to 8pm
Friday 8am to 5pm.