Lion House Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 7 February 2022 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 asked the following three 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:

• The practice appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
• 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.

Background

Lion House Dental Practice is in Buckingham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is stepped access to the practice which can be a barrier for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The treatment rooms are situated on the first floor. Reception staff make people aware of this when they contact the practice.

Dedicated (permit only) car parking spaces for patients are available in a private car park near the practice.

The dental team includes three dentists, two dental nurses who also cover reception, one dental therapist and the operations manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, two dental nurses, one dental therapist and the operations manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

• Monday 8.30am to 5.00pm
• Tuesday 8.30am to 5.00pm
• Wednesday 8.30am to 6.00pm
• Thursday 8.30am to 12.30pm
• Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm

The practice closes for lunch each day

There were areas where the provider could make improvements.

They should:

• Review the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are dispensed safely.