Newland Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 4 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 appeared to be visibly 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.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. We found these weren’t always applied consistently, specifically regarding legionella management.
• 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.
• 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 200 practices and this report is about Newland Dental Practice.

Newland Dental Practice is in Lincoln and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

Due to the age and location of the building, the practice is not accessible to people who use wheelchairs or parents with pushchairs. Practice staff inform all prospective new patients of this and have an arrangement to refer them to a nearby, accessible, service. The practice has made some reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes six dentists, nine dental nurses, two of whom are trainees, one dental hygienist, one dental therapist five receptionists an assistant practice manager and practice manager. The practice has six treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, one dental nurse, one dental therapist, one dental hygienist, two receptionists, the assistant practice manager, the practice manager and the provider’s safety and quality manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday from 8.15am to 8pm
Tuesday from 8.15am to 7pm
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.15am to 5.15pm.

Saturday from 9am to 1.30pm

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, reducing use of single use items and paper documentation where possible. The provider also supported a tree planting programme.

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.’ In particular, carry out required remedial work identified in the risk assessment and ensure water temperature checks are carried out for sentinel taps of both boilers.