All inspections: Approach Dentistry - Care Quality Commission

We had previously undertaken a comprehensive inspection of Approach Dentistry on 5 July 2024 under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. We found the registered provider was not providing well-led care and was in breach of regulation 17 (Good governance) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. We undertook a follow up on-site focused assessment on 17 December 2024. This assessment was carried out to review the actions taken by the registered provider to improve the quality of care and to confirm that the practice was now meeting legal requirements. We found the practice had met regulations. The practice had systems to manage risks associated with fire and Legionella. Equipment and premises were maintained and serviced in line with the relevant legislation and guidance. The provider had systems and processes in place to monitor staff training. The practice had effective recruitment procedures in place. Newly appointed staff received induction at the point of employment to prepare them for their new role. There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. The practice is in Hendon, in the London Borough of Barnet and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. At the time of our assessment, the dental team included, the principal dentist, 5 associate dentists, 4 qualified dental nurses, 4 trainee dental nurses and 3 receptionists. They were supported by an external dental compliance manager. The practice had 6 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with the principal dentist, 1 associate dentist, 1 dental nurse and the compliance manager.

We carried out this announced on-site assessment on 5 July 2024. We found the practice had not met all regulations. Infection control procedures were broadly in line with published guidance. Patients were treated with dignity and respect and their care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance. At the time of our assessment, patients could access care, support and treatment when required. There was, however, a lack of effective leadership and not all risks associated with the carrying on the regulated activities had been suitably managed. Improvements were needed to ensure the required recruitment documentation was obtained at the point of employment in line with the relevant legislation. The systems and processes in place to monitor staff training were not effective. The practice is in Hendon, in the London Borough of Barnet and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. At the time of our assessment, the dental team included, the principal dentist, 4 associate dentists, 4 qualified dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 3 part-time hygienists and 3 receptionists. They were supported by an external dental compliance manager. The practice had 6 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with the principal dentist, 1 associate dentist, 1 qualified dental nurse, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 receptionist and the compliance manager. The provider was not complying with all regulations. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the quality statement section of the report. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.

Patients we spoke with had no concerns about security or accuracy of patient records. They told us that the dentist used records appropriately when explaining care and treatment. We spoke with eight patients. They were all happy with the way in which care and treatment options were explained. One patient said "the dentist explained what was possible and how the treatment would happen."

Care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure patient's safely and welfare. One patient told us "I'm treated with kindness and respect." The quality of the care was described by another as "marvellous" and "excellent."

Staff had undertaken safeguarding training and were able to identify possible signs and symptoms of abuse such as a change in patient's personality and physical changes such as bruises.

All patient's spoke highly of the surgery environment. One patient said 'it's very pleasant and clean.'

Patient records were accurate and securely held within the dental practice.

Approach Dentistry

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

During an assessment under our new approach

12 April 2013

During a routine inspection