Pinhoe Dental Centre Limited

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 5 July 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 appeared to be 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.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements could be made to ensure the required radiography records are complete.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has a large portfolio of practices, and this report is about Pinhoe Dental Centre. The provider had recently purchased Pinhoe Dental Centre.

Pinhoe Dental Centre is in Exeter 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. Dedicated parking for people with disabilities are available at the practice. Other car parking is available on the road near the practice.

The dental team includes six dentists, five dental nurses, three trainee dental nurses, one dental therapist, four receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has seven treatment rooms (four are located on the ground floor).

During the inspection we spoke with five dentists, two dental nurses, one trainee dental nurse, two receptionists, the practice manager and company clinical quality manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open: 8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, there were bike racks at the practice for staff and patients to securely leave their bikes, whilst visiting or working in the practice.

There was an area where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment.