Sweetcroft Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 20 January 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.
• 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.
• Improvements were needed to ensure the practice recruitment procedures reflected current legislation.

Background

Sweetcroft Dental Practice is in Uxbridge, in the London Borough of Hillingdon and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free 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 practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 2 principal dentists, 8 associate dentists, 5 qualified dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 2 dental hygienists and 2 receptionists. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.

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

The practice is open:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9am to 5.30pm.

Wednesday 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Friday 8.30am to 4pm.

Saturday 9am to 1pm.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, they planted 60 trees to offset the environmental impact of their recent refurbishment adding two new dental surgeries to the existing premises.

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

Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.