Clifton Dental Practice Limited

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 21 June 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.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The practice had some systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements should be made to the system, to ensure any recommendations from the fire risk assessments are actioned. Improved stock control protocols were needed as part of the management of medicines.
• 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

Clifton Dental Practice Limited is part of Altaf Hussain a dental group provider. The practice is in York and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is accessible for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. It is located close to local transport routes and car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 4 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 2 of whom are trainees, 1 dental hygienist, 1 practice manager and 2 receptionists. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists including the provider, 1 dental nurse and the practice manager. The group compliance lead and a practice manager from a sister practice were also supporting the inspection. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm

Closed daily between 1pm and 2pm

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

• Implement practice protocols and procedures to ensure staff are up to date with their mandatory training and their continuing professional development.
• Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's fire safety risk assessment and ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.
• Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored and dispensed of safely and securely.
• Implement an effective system for recording, investigating and reviewing incidents or significant events with a view to preventing further occurrences and ensuring that improvements are made as a result.