26 June 2022
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 26 May 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.
We usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:
• 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.
- Improvements were required to the practice’s infection control procedures to ensure they 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.
- Improvements should be made to the policies and guidance for staff relating to the Mental Capacity Act (2005).
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- The provider had information governance arrangements.
Background
The Tooth Spa is in the Chapel Allerton area of Leeds and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes five dentists, three dental nurses including one locum and one who works in reception, one dental hygienist, one dental therapist and two practice managers. The practice has two treatment rooms, both are located on the ground floor.
During the inspection we spoke with one dental nurse and two practice managers. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 6pm
Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 9pm
Friday from 9am to 8pm
Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- 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, improve routine testing and record keeping of the ultrasonic cleaner and the autoclave.
- Improve and develop staff awareness of the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities under the Act as it relates to their role.