The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Hitchin Dental Care

Cartman House, 5 Paynes Park, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1EH (01462) 451181

Provided and run by:
Mr. Rajan Bhatiani

All Inspections

22 September 2023

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 22 September 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 adviser.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask five key questions:

  • Is it safe?
  • Is it effective?
  • Is it caring?
  • Is it responsive?
  • 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, although we noted the ultrasonic bath had not been fully tested to ensure its safe operation.
  • Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
  • Staff had access to a range of specialist dental equipment to enhance the delivery of care.
  • The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
  • 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.
  • Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
  • There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
  • Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.

Background

Hitchin Dental Care provides private dental care for adults and children.

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs. There is level access to the premises for people who use wheelchairs, ground floor treatment rooms and a fully accessible toilet.

The dental team includes 4 dentists, 3 visiting specialists, 3 dental hygienists, 6 dental nurses, a practice manager and 2 reception staff. The practice has 6 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the practice manager, a dentist, 2 dental nurses and reception staff. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open on Mondays to Wednesdays from 9am to 5.45pm, on Thursdays from 8am to 4.45pm, on Fridays from 8am to 1.45pm, and on alternate Saturdays from 9am to 1.45pm.

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

  • Ensure regular soil and protein residue checks are undertaken on the practice’s ultrasonic bath.

17 October 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

At our previous inspection on 24 June 2013 we found that the service did not have appropriate recruitment procedures in place.

At our inspection on 17 October 2013 we saw that the service had taken steps to ensure that staff files included the appropriate documentation.

24 June 2013

During a routine inspection

We looked at five people's treatment records and saw that in all cases consent was obtained both verbally and in writing. The files were held in both electronic and paper format. We saw that the paper files included a treatment plan with the signature of the person consenting to the cost and care detailed on the form.

We viewed five people's files and we saw that these were completed thoroughly and consistently at each appointment. We found that people's medical histories were reviewed and signed for by the person at each appointment.

We saw that the service had a policy and procedures relating to safeguarding adults and children from abuse. The staff we spoke with had a good understanding of what their role was in relation to this.

There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. We saw that regular checks were in place and staff were suitably trained in infection control procedures.

We looked at five staff members personnel files and found that the provider had not completed the appropriate recruitment paperwork. Recruitment procedures were not followed therefore the service was not meeting this standard.