Archived: High Peak Dental Care

We carried out this inspection to check whether the practice had met the standard for supporting workers. We did not speak with any patients on this occasion.

We found that some improvements had been made. However, the practice was not meeting the required standard.

An appraisal system was in place for the receptionists and dental nurses. Records showed that four out of six staff had received a recent appraisal of their work, and that a further two staff were due to receive a review.

Staff said that they worked well together as a team and felt supported by colleagues. Regular meetings were held, which provided some support to staff. However, suitable arrangements were not in place to ensure that staff received appropriate supervision, and were supported to carry out their work effectively.

February 2014. Following those inspections we had concerns relating to supporting workers. We were specifically concerned by the lack of an annual appraisal and formal support for any member of staff. We found that no staff member had received an appraisal in the 12 months up to 15 July 2014. We also found that there were no formal arrangements for the support of staff members in place. We therefore could not be sure that patients were protected because staff members' performance was not kept under review.

On this occasion we did not speak with any patients but concentrated on staff personnel files and documentation.

We saw nine staff personnel files. We found that none of the staff files contained any information relating to an annual appraisal or formal support of the staff members.

During our visit we spoke with the provider and four members of staff. We also spoke briefly with one patient who was in the waiting room before their treatment.

Staff told us that there had been improvements at the dental practice since the last visit, and that other improvements were planned. The patient we spoke with knew that there was a complaints procedure, and said they now knew how to complain should they wish. This patient did stress that they were happy with their care and did not want to complain, although they added: 'There is a notice about how to complain on the wall. I don't think it was there when I came for my last appointment, but it's good to see. I don't remember seeing it before.'

High Peak Dental Care employed two dentists and one dental hygienist. The dental surgery was located on two floors of a building close to the town centre, with disabled parking close by. People with restricted mobility were seen in the ground floor surgery. We saw that the ground floor had level access throughout, with the exception of a small step into the x-ray room at the back of the building.

During our inspection visit we had concerns about the management of medicines, staff training and support and engagement with people who use services. This was particularly in relation to complaints and the use of surveys.

We spoke with two patients at the dental practice. Both patients said that they were happy with their dental treatment, one patient said: 'I'm quite happy, they are all very nice, and my treatment is OK.' A second patient said: 'I think it's all right. The dentist is very nice, and the staff are very friendly.'