Aviva Dentistry Ltd

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 4 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 mostly reflected published guidance.
• 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 although there were shortfalls in the management of risks associated with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health and radiography.
• 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.
• The 5-year fixed wiring test certificate was not available on the day of inspection.
• 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.

Background

The provider has 1 practice, and this report is about Aviva Dentistry Limited.

Aviva Dentistry Limited is in St Albans and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There are 2 steps at the entrance of the practice, so it is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Patients unable to access the practice are signposted to a nearby practice which has disabled access. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available in a multi-story car park near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, one of whom also works on reception, 2 dental hygienists, and 1 receptionist. The practice has the support of a compliance manager. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse, and the compliance manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday and Friday from 9am to 4.30pm

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am to 4.30pm

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 for all cleaning products used in the practice.

• Ensure that a 5-year fixed wiring test is undertaken and that all recommended actions are completed.

• Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment 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. In particular, ensure that routine Quality Assurance measurements on intra-oral equipment have been carried out every 3 years.

• Improve the practice's systems for checking and monitoring equipment taking into account relevant guidance and ensure that all equipment is well maintained. In particular, the ultrasonic bath.