Updated 4 July 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 15 June 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 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, some of which required updating to reflect published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- Improvements were underway to the practice systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- 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.
- 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
Poole Lane Dental Practice is near Bournemouth and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is accessible for wheelchair users and those using pushchairs. Car parking is available on site.
The dental team includes two dentists, one dental hygiene therapist, one hygienist, one qualified dental nurse, three trainee dental nurses, two receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has three treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two trainee dental nurses, two receptionists 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 to Friday from 8.00am to 5.30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices, and having regard to The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance’. In particular, improve the manual cleaning and pouching of dental instruments.
- Improve the practice's systems for checking and monitoring of equipment taking into account relevant guidance and ensure that all equipment is well maintained. In particular, ensure all equipment and instruments are in full working order and issues identified and acted on in a timely manner.
- 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.