One80dental

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 had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year. Staff providing treatment to patients under sedation completed immediate life support training. We highlighted the benefits of participating in additional medical emergency scenarios whilst the anaesthetists are present in between training. 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. There was management of fire safety in line with a risk assessment. Fire exits were clear and well signposted. However, monthly checks of the emergency lights and fire extinguishers were not in place. The manager confirmed this would be addressed. Fire drills were carried out. We highlighted these should include rehearsed emergency plans for those with impaired consciousness. The manager confirmed these would be actioned immediately. The practice had systems for appropriate and safe handling of medicines. Antimicrobial prescribing audits were carried out.

Prior to the assessment, the new manager had identified that previous recruitment processes and checks could not be evidenced for some staff. The recruitment policy and procedures had been reviewed to ensure these now reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff. The manager was in the process of identifying and addressing any gaps in staff files. For example, carrying out Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, risk assessing staff and obtaining evidence of immunity to blood-borne viruses. During our assessment, we identified a further 4 clinical staff members who did not have evidence of immunity, the manager confirmed this would be obtained without delay. Clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover. Newly appointed staff had a structured induction. We highlighted clinicians should also have evidence of an induction process. Staff completed continuing professional development required for their registration with the General Dental Council. The practice was in the process of implementing new systems to ensure staff training was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals as they recognised oversight of this had lapsed. There were also effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. The practice had dedicated training facilities to enable staff to participate in clinical meetings, study groups and hold training events for other local practices. Staff discussed training, learning needs, wellbeing at meetings and appraisals. 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 stated they felt respected, supported and valued, they were proud to work in the practice.

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. We highlighted there was an outside tap that should be flushed weekly. 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. 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.