Updated 8 November 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 4 October 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 advisor.
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 clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.
- The practice infection control procedures, specifically relating to clinical waste bins and identification of waste bags did not always reflect published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Checks to confirm the availability of appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were not carried out effectively.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. A fixed wire electrical safety test had not been completed within required the 5 year time scale.
- 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. We found these were not always implemented consistently.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Park Dental Care is in Nottingham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is a small step to access to the practice, a portable ramp is available for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available a short distance from the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 4 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 4 trainee dental nurses, 4 dental hygienists, 1 dental therapist, 1 clinical manager and 1 office manager. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 3 dental nurses, the clinical manager and the office manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 7.30pm
Wednesday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
Alternate Saturdays from 9am to 4.30pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's waste handling protocols to ensure waste is segregated and disposed of in compliance with the relevant regulations, taking into account the guidance issued in the Health Technical Memorandum 07-01.
- 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.
- Improve the practice's recruitment policy and procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff.
- Take action to ensure audits of anti-microbial prescribing are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service. Practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.