Updated 22 May 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 25 April 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.
- 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.
- 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
The provider is part of a corporate group Nationwide Healthcare and has multiple practices.
This report is about Market Place Family Dental Centre.
Market Place Family Dental Centre is in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is a small step to access the practice, however a portable ramp is available for use for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available in car parks near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 6 dentists, 1 foundation dentist, 4 qualified dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 1 practice manager who also works as a receptionist and 2 other receptionists. The practice has 13 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 1 dental nurse, 1 receptionist who is also the practice manager, the registered manager and the clinical quality and care manager from Nationwide Healthcare. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, the practice were part of a ‘go green’ initiative, this involved trying to reduce the use of paperwork, LED lighting, text or email reminders to patients instead of letters, digital information and x-rays. The practice also had an environmental policy statement which detailed the actions staff should take, for example; try to purchase items made from recycled materials, turn off equipment when not in use, try to reduce waste and power down surgeries when not in use.
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 ensure all staff receive training regarding legionella and ensure hot and cold water temperatures reach the required temperatures.