Updated 25 July 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 15 June 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. Some additional risk was highlighted in relation to radiation protection information and investigation of 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.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines. The documentation of care was inconsistent, immediate action was taken to address this.
- 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
Scissett Dental Practice is in Huddersfield and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice provides orthodontics and dental implants on a private basis.
The practice is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs. Car parking spaces are available behind the practice with additional street parking. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses including 1 trainee, 1 dental therapist, 1 compliance manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with both dentists, 1 dental nurse, the receptionist 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 to Friday 9am to 5.30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- 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.
- Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the Faculty of General Dental Practice when completing dental care records.
- Improve the practice protocols regarding auditing patient dental care records to check that necessary information is recorded.