Huntingdon House Dental Practice

We conducted this announced comprehensive inspection on 25 July 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.
• 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. 
• Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Auditing was used effectively by staff to drive improvement.
• Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.

Background 

Huntingdon House Dental Practice is part of Enamel Dental Care, a dental group provider.

The practice is in St Neots and provides both NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. 

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements including portable ramp access and ground floor surgeries. However, it did not have a fully accessible toilet.

The dental team includes 9 dentists, 8 dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists, a practice manager, a business manager, and reception staff. The practice has 6 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 clinicians, the registered manager, 2 nurses and reception staff. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed. 

The practice is open:

Monday 9am to 8pm

Tuesday to Thursday 9am to 5.30pm

 Friday 9am to 4.30pm 

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

• Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices. 

• Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.

• Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.