Updated 27 September 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive on 16 August 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 always ask the following five 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. Evidence was not available to demonstrate that some staff had completed safeguarding vulnerable adults and children training to the required level.
- 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 79 practices and this report is about Mawsley Dental Clinic.
Mawsley Dental Clinic is in Mawsley, Northamptonshire 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 disabled people, are available in the practice car park which is shared with the medical centre. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.
The dental team includes six dentists, six dental nurses, including two trainee dental nurses, two dental hygienists, one dental therapist, two receptionists, a cleaner and a practice manager. The practice manager has applied to become the registered manager for the service. The practice has six treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses, one receptionist and the practice manager. The Clinical Quality Manager from Colosseum Dental was also present throughout this inspection. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Wednesday from 8am to 8pm
Thursday to Saturday from 8am to 5.30pm
Sunday Closed
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure that all the staff have received training, to an appropriate level, in the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.