Updated 17 June 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 25 May 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 mostly reflected published guidance.
- 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.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and most life-saving equipment were available. However, the process for ensuring that the medicine used to treat low blood sugar (glucagon) was effective needed strengthening. Missing face masks, a spacer device, portable suction and replacement glucagon were ordered on the day.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- 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.
- 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 Adelaide Square Dental Practice.
Adelaide Square Dental Practice is in Bedford and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There are two steps to the practice and so it is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs. Patients who are unable to access the practice are advised of the limitations of access when they first contact the practice and are signposted to nearby accessible practices. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available in a multi-storey car park nearby. The practice is a listed building and has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.
The dental team includes three dentists, including a specialist in endodontics, two dental nurses, one dental hygienist, one receptionist and a practice manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses, the dental hygienist, the receptionist 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 8.15am to 3pm
Tuesday to Friday from 8.15am to 5pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure the availability and 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.
- Take action to ensure audits of radiography and infection prevention and control are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service. Practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.
- Review the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are dispensed of safely.