Updated 22 June 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 10 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 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 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 had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines were available.
- 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 took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership. However, improvements could be made to the clinical audit cycle.
- Staff felt involved and 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 dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
The provider has three practices and this report is about Parkfield Dental Surgery Ltd.
Parkfield Dental Surgery Ltd is in Taunton and provides NHS and 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 disabled people, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes four dentists, one foundation dentist (a dentist working under supervision in the first year after graduating), six dental nurses, four trainee dental nurses, one dental hygienist, four receptionists and the group practice manager. The practice has six treatment rooms, all of which are on the ground floor.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, the foundation dentist, the dental hygienist, four dental nurses, two trainee dental nurses, two receptionists and the group practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.15pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry. The practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, all audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.
- Take action to ensure all clinicians are adequately supported by a trained member of the dental team when treating patients in a dental setting taking into account the guidance issued by the General Dental Council (GDC).