The Dental Centre Bedford Also known as The Meiklejohn Centre

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 8 September 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.
• 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. There was scope for improvement to strengthen staff knowledge in relation to Sepsis.
• 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.
• 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 had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment, and the premises. We found shortfalls in effectively assessing and mitigating risks in relation to legionella and fire. Action was taken within 48 hours of our inspection to address most of these shortfalls.

Background

The Dental Centre Bedford is in Bedford and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is located on the first floor of the building and can be accessed via a lift for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice. Dedicated parking for disabled people is available upon request. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 1 endodontic specialist, 1 prosthodontist specialist, 1 periodontal specialist, 6 dentists, 3 dental hygienists, 5 qualified dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 1 treatment coordinator, 1 decontamination nurse and a practice manager. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 4 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 decontamination nurse, 2 receptionists and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures, and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday from 9am to 5pm.

Tuesday from 9am to 7.30pm.

Wednesday from 9am to 5pm.

Thursday from 9am to 7.30pm.

Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability, the practice were a drop off point for patients wishing to recycle oral health products such as toothbrushes, packaging, and interdental brushes.

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

• Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's Legionella risk assessment, taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices, and having regard to The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance.’ Ensure actions are taken if water tap temperatures fall below recommended levels.
• Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's fire safety risk assessment and ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective. In particular in relation to emergency lighting and fire alarm servicing.
• Improve and develop staff awareness of Sepsis and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities in relation to this.