Levene Dental Care

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 31 May 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.

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.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• 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.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently
• Staff felt involved, supported and worked well as a team.
• The practice had appropriate information governance arrangements in place.

Background

Ross Campbell Dental Practice provides 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. Car parking is not available on site, but there are plenty of public car parks nearby. The practice has made some adjustments to support patients with additional needs but does not have a fully accessible toilet.

The dental team includes one dentist, one therapist, a practice manager, three dental nurses and a receptionist. The practice has two treatment rooms.

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

The practice is open on Mondays to Fridays from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

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

• Implement a system to ensure that all staff receive regular appraisal of their performance.

• Implement an effective system for monitoring and recording the fridge temperature to ensure that medicines and dental care products are being stored in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.

• 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.

• Improve the practice protocols regarding auditing patient dental care records and anti-microbial prescribing to check that necessary information is recorded consistently.

• Take action to ensure that five yearly fixed wire testing is undertaken.