Updated 25 June 2021
We carried out this announced inspection on 2 June 2021 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 provider 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 adviser.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following five questions:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
Are services safe?
We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Are services effective?
We found this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Are services well-led?
We found this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Background
183 Dental is in the Whiston area of Merseyside and provides NHS dental care to children and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is stepped access to the practice and for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs, a portable ramp is available on request. Car parking spaces are available near the practice. The parking areas immediately outside the practice are subject to restricted waiting times.
The dental team includes two dentists, two dental nurses, a dental hygiene therapist, a receptionist, and a dental nurse/practice manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.
The practice is owned by a company and as a condition of registration must have a person registered with the CQC as the registered manager. Registered managers have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the practice is run. The registered manager at 183 Dental is one of the principal dentists.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses, and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and by appointment only, based on demand, on Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
Our key findings were:
- The practice appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained. We noted that the electrical certificate held was for remedial works carried out at the practice in 2017, ahead of the purchase of the practice by the current provider. We drew attention to this on the day of inspection.
- The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- The provider had effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- The provider asked staff and patients for feedback about the services they provided.
- The provider dealt with complaints positively and efficiently.
- The provider had information governance arrangements.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
- Take action to ensure the suitability of the premises and ensure all areas are fit for the purpose for which they are being used. In particular, ensure all electrical installations are inspected within the required frequency to ensure electrics within the building are adequately maintained and meet all required safety standards.