New Mills Dental Practice Limited

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 19 December 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 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 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.
• 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.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

New Mills Dental Practice Limited is in New Mills in north west Derbyshire and provides mostly private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

Clinical areas including treatment rooms are on the first floor of the practice. Should patients with restricted mobility find they are unable to manage the stairs, they would be referred to an alternative practice in nearby Whaley Bridge which is fully accessible.

The dental team includes 3 dentists, 5 dental nurses, a dental hygienist, a dental therapist, a receptionist, a decontamination technician and a practice manager. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses 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 8.30am to 5pm and Friday from 8.30am to 2pm

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Improve the security of NHS prescription pads in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor their use.

• Review the practice protocols regarding audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.