Updated 12 October 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 6 September 2022 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 adviser.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we usually ask 5 key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following 3 questions were asked:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• 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 to be visibly 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 help them manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements could be made to the management of sharps; in particular the provider should ensure all staff are aware of the protocols and up-to-date contact details are available in the event of an incident.
- 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 clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
Background
The provider has two practices and this report is about Lepton Dental Surgery.
Lepton Dental Surgery is in Huddersfield and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is a portable ramp to provide level access to the reception and ground floor surgery for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice toilet is on the first floor and cannot be accessed by wheelchair users. A car parking space and additional on street parking is available near the practice.
The dental team includes 3 dentists (1 of whom manages the practice), 4 dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists and a receptionist. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the owner who manages the practice, a dentist, a dental nurse and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm
Friday 9am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's Legionella risk assessment, taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices, and having regard to The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance.’ In particular, to undertake appropriate training.
- Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.