Updated 3 October 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on Wednesday 30 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 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, tidy and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate life-saving medicines were available. Some items of equipment were not available, these were obtained immediately.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements could be made to risk assess hazardous substances and monitor prescribed medicines.
- 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. We highlighted that audits could be used more effectively to address inconsistencies in record keeping.
- 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.
Background
The provider has two practices and this report is about the Skipton practice.
Muirhead Dental Practice is in Skipton 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, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes seven dentists, seven dental nurses (three of which are trainees), one dental hygienist, three dental therapists, a practice manager and one receptionist. The practice has four treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, three dental nurses, the receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Mondays and Thursdays 8.30pm to 5.30pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8.30pm to 5pm
Occasional Saturday mornings by prior arrangement.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken and the products are stored securely.
- Improve the practice's systems for monitoring equipment taking into account relevant guidance and ensure that all equipment is well maintained. (In particular, efficacy testing for the ultrasonic cleaner and evidence of satisfactory sterilisation cycles).
- Ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor the use of NHS prescription pads and dispensed antimicrobials.