Halifax Road Dental Care

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 17 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 was visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice’s infection control procedures did not fully align with published guidance. Improvements were made immediately after the inspection and supporting evidence sent to us.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• 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.
• Improvements could be made to the practice’s audit systems.
• Improvements could be made to develop staff awareness of Gillick competency and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities in relation to this.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• The practice had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has two practices and this report is about Halifax Road Dental Care.

Halifax Road Dental Care is in Sheffield and provides NHS dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access at the rear of the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available to the rear of the practice and on local roads.

The dental team includes three dentists, seven dental nurses (one is a trainee dental nurse), one dental therapist, one dental hygienist and one receptionist. The practice has three treatment rooms.

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

The practice is open: Monday to Thursday 8am – 5pm and Friday 9am – 2pm.

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 audits, where appropriate, have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated
• Improve and develop staff awareness of Gillick competency and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities in relation to this