Updated 7 February 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 19 January 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 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 with the exception of one medicine which was ordered on the day of the inspection.
- The practice had some systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. We found shortfalls in appropriately assessing and mitigating risks in relation to radiography and care of substances hazardous to health (COSHH).
- 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. However, the clinicians did not always follow the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.
- 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 and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
Background
Wednesbury Dental Practice is in the West Midlands and provides NHS dental care and treatment for adults and children.
Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements. The practice does not offer step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Staff would refer these patients to an accessible surgery.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 5 dental nurses and one locum dental nurse covering maternity leave. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist and 3 dental nurses, one of whom also covered reception and practice manager duties. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Friday from 8.45am to 5.30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.
- Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment.
- Take action to ensure the availability of equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
- Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken and the products are stored securely.