Updated 9 January 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 13 December 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 always ask the following five 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 was visibly 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 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
The provider has 580 practices, and this report is about Mydentist Advanced Oral Health Centre, Union Street, Torquay.
Mydentist Advanced Oral Health Centre, Union Street, Torquay is in Torquay and provides NHS and 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. The practice is fully accessible for wheelchair users. However, as the practice is located on the main high street, there is no parking outside the practice, only drop off for disabled badge holders. Car parking spaces are available in public car parks near the practice.
The dental team includes 17 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, 17 dental nurses, 9 trainee dental nurses, 1 treatment co-ordinator/dental nurse, 6 receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has 11 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 4 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 3 receptionists, the practice manager and the area compliance officer for Mydentist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday 8.00am – 8.00pm.
Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm.
Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, the practice had recently installed an intra-oral scanning device. This was clean technology and will reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste that the practice produces such as plastic impression trays, impression materials and gypsum models.