Archived: Birchfield Dental Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 24 May 2016 to ask the practice the following key questions; Are services safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

We found that this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services effective?

We found that this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services caring?

We found that this practice was providing caring services in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services responsive?

We found that this practice was providing responsive care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services well-led?

We found that this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Background

Birchfield Dental Practice is a mixed dental practice providing NHS (predominantly) and private dental treatment for both adults and children. The service is provided by seven dentists. They are supported by a practice manager (who works part-time at this practice), one general administrator, two dental hygienists, one receptionist and eight dental nurses (three of whom are trainees). The dental nurses also carry out reception duties.

The practice is located in a busy shopping area and is all on the ground floor so can accommodate patients with restricted mobility. The premises consist of a reception area, waiting room, toilet facilities, six treatment rooms, a decontamination room, an office, a staff room and a stock room. There is free parking and a dedicated parking bay for patients with disabilities. Opening hours are from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday. The practice is also open on alternate Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

The provider is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the practice is run. The provider does not carry out dental treatment at this practice.

Thirty-nine patients provided feedback about the practice. We looked at comment cards patients had completed prior to the inspection and we also spoke with patients on the day of the inspection. Overall the information from patients was complimentary. Patients were positive about their experience and they commented that staff were caring, friendly and professional.

Our key findings were:

• The practice had systems to assess and manage risks to patients, including infection prevention and control, health and safety, safeguarding and the management of medical emergencies.
• The practice appeared clean and tidy on the day of our visit and many patients also made similar comments.
• Patients told us they found the staff helpful and friendly. Patients were able to make routine and emergency appointments when needed.
• Patients’ care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidelines, best practice and current legislation.
• Staff received training appropriate to their roles.
• There was appropriate equipment for staff to undertake their duties, and equipment was well maintained.
• The practice had an effective complaints system in place and there was an openness and transparency in how these were dealt with.
• Staff told us they felt well supported and comfortable to raise concerns or make suggestions.
• The practice demonstrated that they regularly undertook audits in infection control, radiography and dental care record keeping.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements and should:

• Review practice protocols for reporting any defects in the upholstery in clinical areas so that these can be repaired in a timely manner.