Updated 5 June 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 23 May 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.
- 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.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment, and the premises; though some improvements could be made in regard to assessing and mitigating risks related to use of substances hazardous to health, and lone working.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies and medicines were available in line with guidance. Improvements were required to ensure the recommended life-saving equipment were available.
Background
Joanna Gallop Limited at Upper Berkeley Dental Care is in Marylebone in the London borough of Westminster and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is access to the practice via a portable ramp for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes the principal dentist, 1 dental nurse, 3 dental hygienists, 1 trainee practice manager and 2 receptionists (one of which is a qualified dental nurse and can provide nursing cover if required). The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist[DA1] , the dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist and the trainee practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures, and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
8.30am to 7.00pm and 11am to 7pm alternate Tuesdays
8.30am to 4pm Wednesdays
11am to 6pm alternate Thursdays
8.30am to 2.30pm Fridays
9am to 4pm alternate Saturdays.
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 practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken.
- Take action to ensure all clinicians are adequately supported by a trained member of the dental team when treating patients in a dental setting taking into account the guidance issued by the General Dental Council.