Updated 23 February 2024
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 17 January 2024 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 appeared 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 some systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Improvements should be made to the fire and electrical safety, and incident reporting arrangements.
- 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.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- 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.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Royd House Dental Practice Limited is in Lindley, Huddersfield and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice is a foundation training practice. Newly qualified dentists work in approved practices and are employed as foundation dentists by General Dental Practitioners who are selected and appointed as educational supervisors.
A ramp is provided for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice has a car park, and staff will assist disabled patients as needed to ensure parking spaces are available. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 4 dentists (1 of whom is in the foundation dentist), 8 dental nurses (4 of which are trainees), 1 dental hygienist, 2 dental therapists, 1 practice manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, the receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Thursday 8.50am to 5.30pm
Friday 8.50am to 4.15pm
Saturday once per month 8.50am to 12.30pm
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, they had signed up to an environmental and sustainability project and resources to support them to understand and reduce their impact on the environment.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's fire safety risk assessment and ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.
- Take action to ensure the suitability of the premises. In particular, ensuring periodic electrical installation inspections are carried out at the appropriate intervals.
- Implement an effective system for recording, investigating and reviewing accidents, incidents and significant events with a view to preventing further occurrences and ensuring that improvements are made as a result.