Updated 9 October 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 26 September 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.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available. Records were not available to demonstrate that an emergency medicine, stored in the refrigerator was being stored within the correct temperature range.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. The sharps risk assessment required updating to reflect equipment and processes at the practice.
- 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. However, proof of right to work in the UK was not available for all staff in recruitment files.
- 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
Regent Street Dental Practice is in Rugby, Warwickshire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 4 dental nurses (including 2 trainee dental nurses), 1 dental hygienist, 2 dental therapists, 1 practice manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses (including the lead nurse and the practice manager), and 1 receptionist. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement an effective system for monitoring and recording the fridge temperature to ensure that medicines and dental care products are being stored in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.
- Improve the practice's recruitment policy and procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff.
- Take action to ensure audits of radiography are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service. Practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.