Primley Park Dentistry

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 14 April 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. Improvements should be made to the process for checking emergency medicines and life-saving equipment.
• 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

Primley Park Dentistry is in the northern outskirts of Leeds and provides private dental care and treatment.

The practice is located on the ground floor of a building and is accessible for patients with restricted mobility and those with young children or pushchairs. Onsite car parking spaces are available at the practice. Alternatively, roadside car parking is also available.

The dental team includes four dentists, three dental hygienists, nine dental nurses including one apprentice, four receptionists, a business manager and the practice manager. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, two dental nurses, three receptionists, the practice manager and a business manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday from 8:30pm to 7:30pm, Thursday from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Friday from 8:30am to 5pm and Saturday from 8am to 2pm.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

.

• Implement an effective system for monitoring and recording the fridge temperature to ensure that medicines and dental care products are being stored in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.
• Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.