Updated 17 October 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 22 September 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 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 and equipment.
- 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff 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
At Home Dental is in Totnes and provides NHS and private domiciliary dental treatment for adults and children who are unable to attend a dental surgery due to incapacity or infirmity in South Devon. There are also hubs in Porchester and Woking. Treatments available may be limited by equipment and materials that can be transported and by the circumstances of the location.
The dental team includes 4 dentists, 3 dental therapists, 4 dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 4 receptionists, 1 practice manager, 1 operations manager and the provider (who is the clinical lead).
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse, 1 receptionist, the practice manager and the operations manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.
- Improve and develop staff awareness of autism and learning disabilities and ensure all staff receive appropriate training in this.