Arnside Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 29 March 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.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate emergency medicines were in place, but the availability and monitoring of life-saving equipment needed review.
• 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.
• Recruitment procedures needed improvement to be in line with 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.
• Staff felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.

Background

Arnside Dental Practice is based in the village of Arnside and provides private and NHS dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free access into the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available outside the practice and in an adjacent car park. Local transport links are located nearby.

The dental team includes 2 dentists, 1 dental therapist, 2 dental nurses 2 receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has 2 treatment rooms which are all on the ground floor.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses and 1 receptionist. We looked at practice policies, procedures, and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5:30pm.

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

• Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring, and mitigating the risks associated with fire. In particular, staff fire training and fire drills.
• Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.
• Take action to ensure the availability of equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.