Archived: Netherton Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 26 April 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 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 on site however not all medical emergency medicines and equipment were taken on domiciliary visits.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements could be made to the systems for managing the risks associated with fire.
• 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.
• 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.

Background

Netherton Dental Practice is in Netherton on the outskirts of Huddersfield and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. They also provide a domiciliary service for patients who are unable to attend the dental practice.

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

The dental team includes two dentists, four dental nurses, one dental hygienist, one receptionist and a practice manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses 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 and Tuesday 8.30am to 5.30pm

Wednesday 8.30am to 6.30pm

Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm

Friday 8.30am to 2.30pm

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

• Take action to ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.
• Review the availability of equipment and medicines on domiciliary visits to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the British National Formulary and the General Dental Council.