Knightsfield Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 8 February 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

Knightsfield Dental Practice is in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There are 3 steps into the practice, so it is not accessible for patients using a wheelchair. The practice is currently undertaking building works to construct a step free pathway leading into the practice to improve access for patients with wheelchairs and pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.

The dental team includes 4 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 3 dental hygienists, 1 compliance manager who is also a dental nurse, 1 administrator and 2 receptionists. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and the compliance manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday from 9am to 6pm

Tuesday, Thursday from 9am to 5.30pm

Wednesday, Friday from 8am to 5.30pm

Saturday (1 per month) 9am to 1pm

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

• Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013. In particular, the appropriate labelling of the sharps containers.