Mawney Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 1 November 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 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 was 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has 5 practices and this report is about Mawney Dental Practice.

Mawney Dental Practice is in Romford, in the North East London Borough of Havering. They provide NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

This is a purpose-built location that is fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice has a car park to the rear including visibly marked disabled spaces. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs by ensuring the disabled toilet has an emergency pull cord to alert staff in case patients need assistance.

The dental team includes 7 dentists, 5 qualified dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 2 part time dental hygienists and 3 reception staff. They are supported by two practice managers (both qualified dental nurses) and a business manager. The practice has 7 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 reception staff, both practice managers and the business manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open

Monday to Thursday 08.30am to 5.00pm and

Friday 07:30am to 4:00pm.

They are closed between 1 and 2pm for lunch.

Outside of these hours, patients are advised to contact NHS 111 for emergency care and treatment.

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

• Implement an effective system for investigating and reviewing incidents or significant events with a view to preventing further occurrences and ensuring that improvements are made as a result.