The Dental Spa

We carried out this announced inspection on 12 September 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 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 was visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• 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.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Most appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available. However, some improvements were required in regards to locating the kit in a more accessible location.
• Improvements were also required in regards to the practice’s use of closed-circuit television (CCTV), fire risk assessments, and their procedures for dispensing medicine.
• 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 Dental SpA is a dental practice in Putney in southwest London, in the London Borough of Wandsworth, and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The dental team includes two dentists, two dental nurses, a trainee nurse, two dental hygienists, a receptionist and a practice manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses, a receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday and Tuesday 9am - 5pm

Wednesday and Thursday 8am - 4pm

Friday 9am - 6pm

Saturday Once a month

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

• Implement protocols for the use of closed-circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office
• Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular in regards to ensuring that a fire risk assessment had been carried out and reviewed by people with the qualifications, skills, competence and experience to do so.
• Take action to ensure the availability of medicines in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the British National Formulary and the General Dental Council.
• Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are dispensed safely and securely.