The Howardian Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 3 October 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 dental clinic was visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines were available.
• Improvements could be made to ensure life-saving equipment was available in line with published guidelines.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. The handling and disposal of all in-use sharps had not been risk assessed.
• 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.
• The practice could not demonstrate that the fixed electrical wiring had been professionally checked within the last 5 years.
• 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 and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The Howardian Dental Practice is in York and provides 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 are available near the practice.

The dental team includes 2 dentists and 2 dental nurses. The practice has 1 treatment room.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist and 1 dental nurse. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday, Thursday and Friday 8am – 4pm

Tuesday 8:30am – 4:15pm and Wednesday 9am - 4:40pm

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Review the practice's systems for checking and monitoring equipment and facilities taking into account relevant guidance and regulations. In particular, the electrical fixed wiring.
• Review 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.
• Review the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.