The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Merton Park Dental Practice

143 Cannon Hill Lane, Merton Park, London, SW20 9BZ (020) 8540 5474

Provided and run by:
Mr. Sandip Patel

Important: This service was previously registered at a different address - see old profile

All Inspections

7 March 2023

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 7 March 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 life-saving equipment were available.
  • The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
  • 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

Merton Park Dental Practice is in Merton Park in the London borough of Merton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes the principal dentist, a dental nurse and a receptionist. The practice has one treatment room.

During the inspection we spoke with the whole team. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm

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

Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.

23 April 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We visited Merton Park Dental Practice to check that improvements had been made in relation to the concerns that we had raised at our last inspection. Our visit was unannounced and neither the dentist nor their nurse were there. However, we were able to talk to them both on the phone. The receptionist was able to show us where some improvements had been made. Since our inspection the dentist has provided us with other evidence to show that our concerns have been addressed.

During an inspection looking at part of the service

At our previous review of this service we raised concerns about the safety of people using the service in the event of an emergency. This was because we saw that the equipment and medication that might be needed was all date expired.

Since that time the provider has sent us evidence to show that this has all been replaced.

Other compliance actions that were given will be assessed at our next vist to the service.

29 November 2012

During a routine inspection

All of the people that we spoke with during our inspection visit were very happy with the service provided by the dentist. They told us "he's very kind, very gentle, and explains everything well". One person said "it was all very efficient, I am going to recommend him to people".

People all confirmed that their treatment had been explained to them, along with any options that might be available. They had signed a form to give their consent to treatment and knew beforehand what it would cost.

However, our inspection visit did raise some concerns. We saw that equipment and drugs for use in an emergency situation were out of date. This meant that people may not always be safe in the event of them having an adverse reaction to their treatment.

Records to show that equipment used for decontamination and sterilisation was properly checked and maintained were not available. This meant that we could not be sure that people were protected from the risks of cross contamination and cross infection. People's personal treatment records were not stored securely. This meant that their confidentiality could not be assured.