Dentcare1 Lincoln

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 10 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 did not appear clean and routine required maintenance was not always carried out.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance. These were not always followed or implemented consistently.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate life-saving equipment was not always available.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The practice staff recruitment procedures did not reflect current legislation. Appropriate pre employment checks were not always carried out.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The provider did not demonstrate effective leadership or promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided. We did not see evidence this feedback was acted on.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements. We found these were not always effective.

Background

The provider has three practices and this report is about Dentcare1 Lincoln.

Dentcare1 Lincoln is in Lincoln and provides private general 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 at the rear of the practice. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs including the use of a hearing induction loop and access to interpretation services.

The dental team includes two dentists and three dental nurses who also carried out reception duties. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, three dental nurses, and the registered manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

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.

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 an effective system for identifying, disposing and replenishing of out-of-date stock.