Updated 21 April 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 12 April 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 advisor.
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 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 manage risks for patients, staff, equipment, and the premises.
- 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.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Church Road Dental Practice is in Bebington, Wirral and provides NHS and some private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements, which includes ramp access to the side of the building, a fully accessible toilet, and a hearing loop at reception for those with additional hearing needs.
The dental team includes 4 dentists, one of whom is in the foundation year at the practice and is overseen by the lead dentist who is qualified to supervise dentists in their first year in practice. The team is further supported by 8 dental nurses, 3 of whom are trainees, 2 dental hygienists, a practice manager and 3 receptionists. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses, the receptionists on duty and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures, and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8.30am to 5.30pm; and on Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, and on Friday from 8.30am to 4.15pm.