Updated 17 December 2021
We carried out this announced inspection on 25 November 2021 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 provider 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.
As part of this inspection we asked the following questions
• 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:
Are services safe?
We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Are services effective?
We found this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Are services well-led?
We found this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Background
Dental Design Studio is in central Stowmarket in Suffolk 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 outside the practice and in local public pay and display car parks.
The dental team includes four dentists, six dental nurses, four of whom are trainee dental nurses, onereceptionist, one cleaner and the practice manager who is also a qualified dental nurse. The practice is one of 15 practices owned and managed by a partnership across London and the East of England with a support team including an operations manager, data manager, clinical support and patient support services. The practice has five treatment rooms.
The practice is owned by a partnership and as a condition of registration must have a person registered with the CQC as the registered manager. Registered managers have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the practice is run. The registered manager at Dental Design Studio is the principal dentist.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, three dental nurses, the operations manager, the clinical director, the senior partner and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday from 8.45am to 7pm.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8.45 to 5.30pm.
Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Our key findings were:
- The practice appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and 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.
- The provider had effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- The provider asked staff and patients for feedback about the services they provided.
- The provider dealt with complaints positively and efficiently.
- The provider had information governance arrangements.