Totley Rise Dental Practice

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice had processes to identify and manage risks; staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and the reporting of risks was encouraged. Emergency equipment and medicines were available and checked in accordance with national guidance. Staff could access these in a timely way. Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year. They were encouraged to participate in medical emergency scenario training. We highlighted the expiry date on the Glucagon (required in the event of very low blood sugar) should be reduced in line with the manufacturer’s instructions as this was stored unrefrigerated, and highlighted gloves, scissors and a razor should be available with the defibrillator. The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions. The management of fire safety was effective, and fire exits were clear and well signposted. The practice had systems for appropriate and safe handling of medicines. Antimicrobial prescribing audits were carried out.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff. We saw the system to carry out Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the point of employment was inconsistent as the process had not been followed for 5 staff members. The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover. Dental nurses covered by a dentists’ indemnity were not provided with the details of the policy in line with General Dental Council requirements. Newly appointed staff had a structured induction. We highlighted this should include safeguarding. The provider ensured clinical staff completed continuing professional development required for their registration with the General Dental Council. The practice had arrangements to ensure staff training was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. There were also effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff were proud to work in the practice and confidently showed us the processes and checks they were responsible for. Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient staffing levels. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. Staff discussed their training needs during annual appraisals, 1 to 1 meetings, during clinical supervision, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions. They also discussed learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance. This included procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment. The practice had cleaning procedures and schedules to ensure effective cleaning. We observed the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned with national guidance. Staff received appropriate training, and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes. The equipment in use was maintained and serviced as per manufacturers’ instructions. We saw, and staff confirmed that single use items were not reprocessed. We highlighted the ratio of detergent to water should be measured when manually cleaning instruments, and lint-free cloths should be used to dry instruments. Staff followed infection control principles, including the use of personal protective equipment, and safely segregated and disposed of hazardous waste. The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.