We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 21 September 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 ask five key questions:
- Is it safe?
- Is it effective?
- Is it caring?
- Is it responsive?
- Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The dental clinic was visibly clean and well-maintained.
- Improvements were needed to manage infection prevention and control procedures.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies.
- Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- 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.
- 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.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- Improvements were needed to manage risks to patients and staff.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
- The provider could not demonstrate effective management.
Background
Frimley Green Dental Centre is in Camberley 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 adjustments to support patients with access requirements:
- A hearing loop and magnifying glass is available at reception.
- The patient toilet is wheelchair accessible.
- Documents can be produced in large print.
- One treatment room is available on the ground floor.
The dental team includes 3 dentists, 1 visiting specialist, 4 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 2 receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has three treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 2 receptionists and the practice manager.
We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm.
We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:
- Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.
Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting is at the end of this report.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement protocols regarding the prescribing and recording of antibiotic medicines taking into account guidance provided by the Faculty of General Dental Practice in respect of antimicrobial prescribing.
The provider accepted the shortfalls that we raised and took immediate action the day of our inspection to begin to address these.
Where evidence is sent that shows the relevant issues have been acted on, we have stated this in our report but we cannot say that the practice is compliant for that key question as this would not be an accurate reflection of what was found on the day of our inspection.