Updated 16 March 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 27 February 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.
- 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.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance. Some improvements could be made to ensure adherence to published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had some systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements should be made to the system, to ensure any recommendations from the electrical installation condition report are actioned and the management of fire safety and legionella are effective.
- 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.
- 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
Denmark Street Dental Practice Limited is in Gateshead in Tyne and Wear and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is ramp access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice is located close to local transport routes and car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 6 dentists, 1 of whom is on the specialist register, 6 dental nurses, 3 trainee dental nurses, 2 of whom are on placement, 2 dental hygienists, 1 treatment coordinator, 1 practice manager, 1 finance manager/owner, 1 finance/compliance manager and 4 receptionists. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 1 dental nurse, the compliance manager and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8am to 5pm
Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am to 7pm
Saturday from 8am to 2pm (alternate weeks)
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular ensure:
- Any electrical installation remedial work required is carried out.
- The protocols for the management of legionella are effective.
- The risks around fire safety are appropriately considered and mitigated.