Kendal Dental Care Limited

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 13 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 adviser.

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 practice was visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• 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.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system was flexible and took account of patients’ needs.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Concerns were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

Kendal Dental Care Limited is in the centre of Kendal and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The ground floor is accessible by wheelchair users and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available outside the practice.

The dental team includes 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses,1 decontamination technician, 2 dental hygiene therapists, a practice manager, deputy practice manager and receptionist. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 1 decontamination technician and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.30pm

Friday 8.30am to 5pm

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

• Implement an effective system for identifying, disposing and replenishing of medicines and out-of-date stock.