Wimbledon Park Dental Surgery

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 14 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 five 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. Most appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment, were available as per current national guidelines.
• 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. However, improvements were required for some audit processes.
• 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.
• Improvements were required in regards to the staff’s understanding of Gillick competences.

Background

The provider has 3 practices and this report is about Wimbledon Park Dental Surgery.

Wimbledon Park Dental Surgery is in Wimbledon Park and provides NHS and/or private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is ramped access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made some adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, and a receptionist. The practice has two treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with a dentist, 2 dental nurses and a receptionist. 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 17.30pm

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

• Improve and develop staff awareness of Gillick competency and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities in relation to this.

• 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.

• 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 audits of radiography are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service. Practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.