Updated 24 May 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, we noted that management of fire safety and electrical systems needed review.
- 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
Background
Greenhead Dental Practice Ltd is in Huddersfield and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.
The dental team includes four dentists, four dental nurses, one dental hygienist, one receptionist and a practice manager. The practice has four treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with four dentists, two dental nurses and the practice manager who is also the registered manager for the practice. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday 8.30am to 5.30pm
Tuesday 9am to 5.30pm
Wednesday 9am to 5.30pm
Thursday 8.30 am to 5.30pm
Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.
- Improve the practice's systems for assessing electrical risk in particular ensure a fixed wiring test is undertaken and a certificate is in place.