Updated 31 March 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 15 March 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 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 worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
Background
The practice is part of a group of 6 practices owned by Dr Amit Rai. This report is about Chesham Dental.
Chesham Dental is in Chesham and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the practice, via a lift, for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs.
The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional access requirements. Adjustments include:
- A wheelchair accessible toilet
- Hearing loop
- Reading aids (magnifying glass)
- Step free access via a lift
Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available outside the practice.
The dental team includes:
- 4 dentists
- 1 qualified dental nurse
- 1 student nurse
- 1 dental hygienist
- 2 dental therapists
- 3 receptionists.
- 1 practice manager
The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse, 1 receptionist, and 3 external management support staff.
We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
- Monday 8.30am to 5.30pm
- Tuesday 8.30am to 5.30pm
- Wednesday 8.30am to 5.30pm
- Thursday 8.30am to 7.00pm
- Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of the orthopantomography (OPG) X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment.
- Improve the practice's systems for assuring themselves that the checking and monitoring of fire safety equipment is carried out by the landlord’s representative effectively.
- Improve the practice’s protocols for the use of closed-circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office.
- Improve the practice's complaint handling procedures and establish an effective system for recording complaints by service users.