South Cliff Dental Group - Moulsecomb

We carried out this unannounced focused inspection on 08 February 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 did not reflect published guidance.
• We were not assured staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Some of the appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• The practice had some systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• Safeguarding processes could be improved and staff we spoke with knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The practice did not have 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 did not feel involved and supported by the company; but worked together as a team.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has 27 practices and this report is about South Cliff Dental Group – Moulsecoomb.

South Cliff Dental Group - Moulsecoomb is in Brighton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice.

The dental team includes three dentists, one is the clinical lead for the South Cliff Dental Group for the Sussex area, a registered dental nurse, two trainee dental nurses, a receptionist and a practice manager. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with a dentist, the dental nurses, the receptionist, the compliance lead for the company, the clinical lead and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

8.30am to 5pm Monday to Sunday

We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:

• Ensure care and treatment is provided in a safe way to patients.
• Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.
• Ensure specified information is available regarding each person employed.

Full details of the regulations the provider is not meeting are at the end of this report.

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

Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.