Exeter Close Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 8 June 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 mostly reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and most life-saving equipment were available. Missing equipment was ordered on the day of inspection.
• 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.
• 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.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has two practices, and this report is about Exeter Close Dental Practice.

Exeter Close Dental Practice is in Stevenage 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. Car parking spaces are available in the street near the practice. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes four dentists, two oral surgeons, one hygienist, two dental nurses, two practice managers who are also qualified dental nurses, and one receptionist. The practice has four treatment rooms.

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

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, the practice had installed motion sensitive lighting in some rooms.

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

• Take action to ensure the availability and an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
• Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.