128 Dental Care

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 23 June 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, however the management of fire and sharps risks needs to be improved.
• 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 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.
• 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

128 Dental Care is in Stockport and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is currently not step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice does not have a hearing loop. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice is undergoing a refurbishment and will then be able to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 5 dentists, 1 dental therapist, 1 qualified dental nurse and 3 trainee dental nurses. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 1 qualified dental nurse and 2 trainee dental nurses. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 5pm

Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am to 6pm

Saturday from 9am to 1pm (fortnightly)

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

Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's fire safety risk assessment and ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.

Take action to arrange a legionella risk assessment by a suitably trained individual.

Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.

Develop systems to ensure an effective process is established for the appraisal of all staff.