Crystal Peaks Dental Centre

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 7 November 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 medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• 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

The provider is part of a corporate group Rodericks Dental Partners, and this report is about Crystal Peaks Dental Practice.

Crystal Peaks Dental Practice is in Sheffield and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The dental practice is based in a multidisciplinary medical facility on the first floor. There is step free access to the ground floor and a lift to the first floor, ensuring patients with limited mobility, wheelchairs and those with pushchairs can access the practice. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people are available outside the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 5 dentists, 10 dental nurses, 2 of whom are trainees, 4 dental therapists, 1 of whom is a foundation training therapist, 1 practice manager and 3 receptionists. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed. The team was supported during the inspection by a group compliance manager.

The practice is open:

Monday from 8am to 6pm

Tuesday and Thursday from 8am to 5.30pm

Wednesday from 8am to 5.15pm

Friday from 8am to 5pm

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, reduced electrical and heating consumption, improved recycling and paperless systems where possible.

The dental practice shared facilities and maintenance contracts with the orthodontic dental practice located on the same floor; medical emergency equipment, decontamination equipment and X-ray units were jointly used. Staff rooms and dental treatment rooms were also available to both departments, this helped limit equipment duplication and lower energy usage.