Updated 19 May 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 10 May 2023 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 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.
- 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 manage 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.
- 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.
Background
The provider is part of a corporate group Dentex Healthcare Group, which has many practices in England; this report is about the practice Dental Solutions Limited, in Lymm, Cheshire
and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available in a pay and display car park, immediately outside the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 3 dentists, 1 of whom is the practice principal. There is an implant dentist that visits the practice to carry out implant work and a visiting sedationist to deliver sedation treatment. There are 2 dental hygienists, 5 dental nurses, 2 of whom are trainees and 1 who also works as a treatment co-ordinator. The dental team is further supported by a practice manager and 2 receptionists. The practice has 3 treatment rooms, 1 of these being on the ground floor and wheelchair accessible.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, and the practice manager. On the day of inspection, the practice manager was supported by members of the corporate compliance team, who we were able to speak with throughout the day. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday 8am to 6pm; Tuesday 8am to 5.30pm; Wednesday 9am to 8pm; Thursday 8am to 5.30pm and Friday 9am to 4pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement protocols for conscious sedation, taking into account the guidelines published by The Intercollegiate Advisory Committee on Sedation in Dentistry in the document 'Standards for Conscious Sedation in the Provision of Dental Care 2015’. In particular, that CPD of supporting dental nurses and sedation dentists is up to date and copies are kept in practice records; that emergency medicines including oxygen held, reflect those recommended in recognised guidance.