R M Whetstone

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 16 August 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 had received training in how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were not always available.
• Systems were not in place to ensure emergency equipment and medicines were checked and stored in accordance with manufacturers guidelines.
• Five yearly electrical fixed wire testing had not been undertaken.
• The practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment were incomplete.
• 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.
• Auditing and risk management systems within the practice were either incomplete or were not effective in driving improvement.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.

Background

R M Whetstone is in Old Harlow, Essex and 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 spaces are available at the rear of the practice.

The dental team includes one dentist, four dental nurses, one dental therapist, four receptionists, three practice (administration) managers, three support staff and three visiting specialists. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, one agency dental nurse, one dental therapist, one receptionist and one administration manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Friday from 8.30am to 4pm.

We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:

• Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are at the end of this report.

Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are at the end of this report.

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

• Take action to ensure that all the staff have received fire safety training.