Updated 7 September 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 18 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 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.
- 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 one practice, and this report is about Spicer Road Dental Practice.
Spicer Road Dental Practice is in Exeter and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There are steps from the pavement to enter the practice. Therefore, the practice is not suitable for people who use wheelchairs. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs by the addition of grab rails by the stepped access. Further adjustments cannot be made as the practice sits within a conservation area.
Car parking spaces are available near the practice.
The dental team includes four dentists, one dental hygienist, five dental nurses, two receptionists and a practice manager. The practice manager is also a trainee dental nurse. The practice has five treatment rooms. One of these is situated on the ground floor.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses and one locum dental nurse, the dental hygienist, two receptionists 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 to Thursday 8.30am – 5.00pm
Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm.
The practice closes for an hour between 1.00pm – 2.00pm.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, as a result of patient feedback steel hoops to enable cyclists to lock their bicycles at the practice were mounted at the practice boundary wall.
There was an area 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.