Updated 26 July 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 4 July 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. However, needle guards were not pouched in dental treatment rooms, we were assured that going forward these would be pouched, and additional needle guards purchased. Following this inspection, we were sent evidence to demonstrate action taken.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available. However, the medical emergency kit checklist did not include all items of medical emergency kit. We were assured that this list would be updated immediately and following this inspection we were sent a copy of the updated checklist.
- 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.
- 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
The provider is part of a corporate group Bhandal Dental Practices and has multiple practices, and this report is about 179 High Street, Quarry Bank. This dental practice is in Quarry Bank, Dudley and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free 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 practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 3 dentists, 3 dental nurses (including 2 trainees), 1 receptionist, a practice manager and a member of support staff. The practice has 4 treatment rooms, only 3 of which are in use.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and the practice manager. The member of support staff and an area manager from the Bhandal group was also present and assisted during this inspection. 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 6pm and is closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm. The practice is also open on alternate Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
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.