R S Nicholson & Associates - Crofton Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 28 June 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 appeared to be 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.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has two practices and this report is about RS Nicholson and Associates – Crofton Dental Practice

RS Nicholson and Associates is in the village of Crofton near Wakefield and provides NHS dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice has two first floor treatment rooms which are accessed via a flight of stairs. Should patients have access issues which make the stairs difficult, they would be seen at a sister practice which has a ground floor treatment room and is fully accessible.

The dental team includes two dentists one of whom is a locum, five dental nurses including three apprentice dental nurses, two receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses, one 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 to Thursday from 8:45am to 5:15pm and Friday from 8:15am to 4pm. The practice is also open on an occasional basis on a Saturday from 8:45am to 1pm.