Priory Park Dental Practice

We conducted this announced comprehensive inspection on 19 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 that mostly 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.
• Recruitment procedures ensured only suitable staff were employed.
• Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect, and received a high level of care.
• 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

Priory Park Dental Practice is based in St Neots and provides both NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. In addition to general dentistry, the practice offers dental implant treatments and sedation services. The practice is part of the Enamel Dental Care Group which has 18 practices in the UK.

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements including level access, ground floor surgeries and a fully accessible toilet.

The dental team includes 7 dentists, 10 dental nurses, 4 dental hygienists, a practice manager and administrative staff. The practice has 6 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, a compliance support officer, the registered manager, 2 nurses and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open Mondays from 8am to 5.30pm; on Tuesdays from 8am to 8pm, on Wednesdays from 8am to 6pm, on Thursdays from 8am to 8pm, on Fridays from 8am to 4.30pm; and on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm.

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.