Updated 24 January 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 5 January 2023 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 always ask the following 5 questions:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it caring?
• Is it responsive to people’s needs?
• 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.
- 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 65 practices and this report is about Wickersley Dental and Implant Practice.
Wickersley Dental and Implant Practice is in Rotherham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice also accepts referrals from other providers for minor oral surgery, endodontics, dental implants, periodontics and orthodontics.
There is a removable ramp to give 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 near the practice. The practice has made other adjustments to support patients with additional needs. These include the addition of a new ground floor treatment room and an accessible toilet.
The dental team includes 8 dentists, 8 dental nurses (1 of whom is a trainee), 2 treatment co-ordinators, 1 dental hygienist, 1 dental therapist, 2 receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 2 treatment co-ordinators, 1 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 9am to 8pm
Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored and dispensed of safely and securely.
- Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols 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, reprocessing single use devices.