Updated 6 September 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 15 August 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 had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Not all appropriate life-saving equipment was available. Missing items were ordered immediately following the inspection.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
- 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.
- 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team and said that they enjoyed working at the practice.
- 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
Attleborough Dental Surgery is in Attleborough, Nuneaton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is located on the first floor of the Wembrook House building. The practice is not step free and would therefore not be accessible for people who use wheelchairs. Patients with access requirements would be referred to another local practice. The practice has a car park. Dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 1 dentist, 3 dental nurses and 1 dental hygienist. All nurses work on reception as needed. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist (the practice owner), and 3 dental nurses. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Hygiene appointments are available on alternate Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure the availability of equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
- Improve the security of NHS prescription pads in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor their use.