Wimbledon Central Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused comprehensive inspection on 21 April 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 appeared to be 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 principal dentists provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• The principal dentists provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

Wimbledon Central Dental Practice is in Wimbledon in the London Borough of Merton 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 near the practice.

The dental team includes two principal dentists. Both dentists perform nursing duties for each other when they are treating patients. The practice has two treatment rooms (although only one is ever in use at any given time).

During the inspection we spoke with both dentists. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm by appointment only.