Mile Lane Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 15 August 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 but the storage and accessibility of these should be reviewed.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. The inspection highlighted some minor risks in relation to hazardous substances and responding to incidents.
• 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 practice should review the process to ensure a Disclosure and Barring Service check can be evidenced at the point of employment.
• 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

Mile Lane Dental Practice is in Bury, Lancashire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is in a single-storey health centre co-located with GP and physiotherapy services. The health centre is fully accessible to people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. There is a car park including dedicated parking for disabled people.

The dental team includes 3 dentists, one of which is a locum dentist and 3 dental nurses, one also has manager responsibilities, and one is a trainee. The dental nurses also have reception and administrative duties. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists and 2 dental nurses. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Wednesday 9am to 6pm

Thursday 8.30am to 6pm

Friday 8.30am to 2.30pm

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

• Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK).

• Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken and the products are used in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

• Implement an effective system for recording, investigating and reviewing incidents or significant events with a view to preventing further occurrences and ensuring that improvements are made as a result.

• Improve the practice's recruitment policy and procedures to ensure pre-employment checks are carried out and evidenced for all staff.