Gary Baxter Dental Surgery - Wellington House

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 14 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.
• 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 some systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Not all medicines management systems were in line with recommended guidance.
• 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. However, not all staff had a record of their hepatitis B immunity status.
• 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

Gary Baxter Dental Surgery - Wellington House is in Newmarket, Suffolk and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is situated on the first floor above a high street shopping precinct and is accessed by three sets of stairs. People who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs are directed to other local dental practices with step free access. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities , are available in pay and display car parks near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 3 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 1 practice administrator and 2 receptionists. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and the practice administrator. 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 5pm.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, reducing printing of documents, turning electricity off when not required and recycling where possible.

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

• Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of 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 protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored and dispensed of safely and securely.
• Take action to ensure that all clinical staff have adequate immunity for vaccine preventable infectious diseases.