Updated 28 March 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 28 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.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
- 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.
- 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- The staff team was small and worked well together.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The practice had information governance arrangements.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Improvements were required to ensure the availability of medicines and equipment.
Background
Dr Shabir Pandor dental practice is in the City of Westminster and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is located on the 2nd floor of the building. The entrance is not step free however a small ramp can be used to provide wheelchair access. Once in the building there is a lift for patients with mobility issues to access the practice. Car parking spaces (paid), including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes the principal dentist, a dental hygienist and a trainee dental nurse who also carried out administrative support duties. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the dentist, the trainee dental nurse and the hygienist. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure staff have received training to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
- Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices, and having regard to The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance’. In particular, ensuring instruments are pouched and dated appropriately.
- Take action to ensure all clinicians are adequately supported by a trained member of the dental team when treating patients in a dental setting taking into account the guidance issued by the General Dental Council.
- Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.