The White House Dental Clinic

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 27 June 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 usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:

• Is it safe?

• Is it effective?

• 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.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• 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.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. However, improvements could be made to protocols relating to the storage and handling of substances hazardous to health, fire safety and servicing and maintenance of equipment.
• The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation; however, improvements could be made to ensure all important checks are carried out at the time of recruitment.

Background

The White House Dental Clinic is in Walton-on-Thames and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including parking for disabled people, are available at the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs, including the availability of a hearing induction loop and interpreter services.

The dental team includes three dentists, one dental nurse, two trainee dental nurses, two dental hygienists and three receptionists. The practice has two treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, one dental nurse and one receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm

Saturday from 9.00am to 4.30pm

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

• Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken and the products are stored securely.
• Improve the practice's systems for checking and monitoring equipment taking into account relevant guidance and ensure that all equipment is well maintained. In particular relating to the suction motor.
• Take action to ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.
• Improve the practice's recruitment policy and procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff.