Wordsley Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 14 November 2023 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 most life-saving equipment were available. However, we found self-inflating bags (sizes, 0, 2 and 4) were missing, these were ordered following the inspection.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Monitoring processes for prescription pads required strengthening.
• 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

Wordsley Dental Practice is in Dudley and provides NHS and or private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

Due to the practice being on the first floor it is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs, however the dentist offers domiciliary visits. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 practice manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the dentist, 1 dental nurse, the dental hygienist, 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 Wednesday from 8.30am to 1pm and from 1.30pm to 6pm

Thursday from 8.30am to 1pm and from 1.30pm to 8pm.

Friday from 8.30am to 2pm.

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

• Take action to ensure the availability of equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
• Improve the security of NHS prescription pads in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor their use.