Dentistree Battersea

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 27 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 always ask the following five 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 was visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Most appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available, however improvements were required in regards to the availability of medicine used to treat asthma and allergens and in the emergency treatment of anaphylactic shocks.
• 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.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

This report is about Dentistree Battersea.

Dentistree Battersea is in Battersea, in south London, in the London Borough of Wandsworth and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The dental team includes the principal dentist, 4 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists, 1 trainee nurse and 2 receptionists. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 1 dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist and the 2 receptionists. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open is open Monday to Thursday 9am to 5.30pm and Friday 9am to 4pm.

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

• Take action to ensure the availability of medicines in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the British National Formulary and the General Dental Council.
• Take action to ensure the suitability of the premises and ensure all areas are fit for the purpose for which they are being used (In particular, risks relating to the use of the gas Bunsen burner).