Updated 6 October 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 31 August 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 second inspector and 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. Action was needed to replace some of the life-saving equipment.
- 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.
- 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
Ivory Dental Care has 2 practices in Blackpool that provide private dental care and treatment for adults and children. Patients can choose which of the two locations they attend depending on the treatment need. This report is about Ivory Dental Care - Park Road.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. At Park Road there is a free onsite car park.
The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 13 dentists, 18 dental nurses (2 are trainees), 4 dental therapists, 1 practice manager and a support manager, 10 receptionists, 2 decontamination room operatives and 2 administrators. The practice has 6 treatment rooms. The team works across both locations as needed.
During the inspection we spoke with 4 dentists, 2 dental nurses, the decontamination room operative, 1 dental therapists, 1 receptionists, the practice manager, the support manager and the dental nurse team leader. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday 8.00am – 5.00pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8.00am – 7.00pm
Friday 8.00am – 3.00pm
Saturday 8.00am – 3.00pm
We noted innovative approaches to providing person centred care. For example, staff held monthly meetings and clinical study days and peer review to enable staff to discuss clinical standards, and customer service.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, the practice was working through a green impact dentistry toolkit. This included the use of biodegradable aprons, eco consumables, raising awareness to reduce water and electric consumption, planting bee and butterfly friendly plants and promoting local environmental initiatives.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK).
- 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.
- Implement an effective system for recording, investigating and reviewing accidents, incidents and significant events with a view to preventing further occurrences and ensuring that improvements are made as a result.