Unique Smiles Alcester

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 7 June 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. There was scope for improvement to include disposal of sharps bins at recommended intervals.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. However, not all items from the suggested minimum equipment list published by the Resuscitation Council were present. Missing items were ordered immediately on the day of our inspection.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. We found systems to assess the risks in relation to prescription security 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, however protocols for the use of closed-circuit television required strengthening.

Background

The provider has 1 practice, and this report is about Unique Smiles Alcester.

The services are provided by two individually Care Quality Commission registered providers at this location. This report only relates to the provision of general dental care provided by Dr Bhavesh Nathwani. An additional report is available in respect of the general dental care services which are registered under Unique Smiles Dental Surgery (Unique Smile Group Limited)

Unique Smiles Alcester is in Alcester 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 5 dentists, 2 qualified dental nurses, 3 trainee dental nurses, 3 dental therapists, 1 practice manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 qualified dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 1 dental therapist 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 from 8.45am to 5.45pm

Tuesday from 8.45am to 7.15pm

Wednesday from 8.45am to 5.45pm

Thursday from 8.45am to 5.45pm

Friday from 8.45am to 5pm

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

• Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment. In particular, ensure rectangular collimators are available for use in each treatment room.
• Improve the security of NHS prescription pads in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor their use.
• Implement protocols for the use of closed-circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office.