Updated 11 March 2024
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 19 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. Some improvements could be made, however.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. However, some improvements could be made.
- 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 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
Campden House Dental Practice is in Taunton and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
Due to the design of the building, all treatment rooms are on the first floor. The practice is not suitable for wheelchair users. Patients are informed of this on enquiry and in the practice leaflet. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 1 dental hygienist, 3 dental nurses and a receptionist. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Thursday 9.00am – 5.30pm.
Fridays 9.00am – 1.00pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement an effective system for monitoring and recording the fridge temperature to ensure that medicines and dental care products are being stored in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.
- Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices, and having regard to The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance’. In particular, by ensuring flooring is suitably sealed in clinical areas and by ensuring the water temperature is checked for a recommended range prior to the manual cleaning of dental instruments.
- Implement protocols for domiciliary visits, taking into account the 2009 guidelines published by British Society for Disability and Oral Health in the document “Guidelines for the Delivery of a Domiciliary Oral Healthcare Service”.
- Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines, taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.
- Improve and develop staff awareness of autism and learning disabilities and ensure all staff receive appropriate training in this.