Mr Reginald P J O'Neill Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 21 November 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 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 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

Mr Reginald P J O'Neill Dental Practice is in Billericay, Essex and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. In addition to general dentistry, the practice provides sedation and dental implant services.

There is a small step at the front of the premises, with level access within the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available at the front of the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs including the recent purchase of a portable ramp for the front of the building.

The dental team includes 1 dentist,1 dental nurse and the practice manager who is also a qualified dental nurse. The practice has 1 treatment room.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse 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, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 5pm.

Thursday occasional (as required).

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, the practice has been working to offset the impact of the increased use of disposable dental plastics through projects in their award-winning greenspace/wildlife garden. They promote paper free applications and recycle where appropriate.

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

• 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.