Updated 31 March 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 8 March 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 usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• 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 to be visibly 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, with the exception of some sizes of clear face masks and dispersible aspirin.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. We discussed how these could be further strengthened.
- 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.
- Systems were in place to ensure complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
The provider has one practice and this report is about Dr. Rez Dental.
Dr. Rez Dental is in Liverpool city centre and provides private dental care and treatment for predominantly adults and some children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs, via a lift. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice in multi-storey pay and display car parks. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs, for example by provision of a lift which is wide enough to allow wheelchair access to the practice.
The dental team includes the principal dentist, three dental nurses, two of whom are trainees, two dental hygiene therapists and two receptionists. The team is supported by a practice manager, who is also a qualified dental nurse. The practice has two dental treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the lead dental nurse and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday and on Saturday from 9am to 3pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment. In particular, that handbooks accompanying the equipment are available for staff to refer to as required, and that Local Rules for all equipment are updated to show the name and contact details of the appointed Radiation Protection Adviser.