Updated 14 March 2024
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 13 December 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The practice’s infection control procedures reflected published guidance. However, improvements were required in regards to the use of wire brushes.
- The practice had some systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Improvements were required in regards to risks associated with sharps.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Most appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available. However, there were some omissions including insufficient amount of adrenaline and some face masks
- Improvements were required in regards to the details contained in patients records
Background
Cime Dentistry Limited is in Westminster and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is located on the basement floor and was not accessible for people who use wheelchairs. There are arrangements in place to refer patients to an accessible practice.
The dental team includes 1 dentist and a dental nurse. The practice has 1 treatment room.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentists and the dental nurse. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Tuesday 8.00am to 4.00pm
Wednesday 8.00am to 5.00pm
Thursday 8.00am to 4.00pm
Friday 8.00am to 2.00pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.
- Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.
- Take action to ensure clinicians record in the patients’ dental care records or elsewhere the reason for taking X-rays, a report on the findings and the quality of the image in compliance with Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment .
- Take action to ensure the availability of medicines in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the British National Formulary and the General Dental Council.
- Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular in regards to sharps, sepsis and legionella.