Updated 30 June 2021
We carried out this announced inspection on 4 June 2021 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 provider 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 CQC specialist dental advisor.
To consider the concerns we received we asked the following questions
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:
Are services safe?
We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Are services effective?
We found this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Are services well-led?
We found this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Background
Allure Dental Care is in the London Borough of Barnet and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The dental team includes the principal dentist, one associate dentist, one dental hygienist and two trainee dental nurses. The practice has two treatment rooms.
The practice is owned by an individual. They have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the practice is run.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, the dental hygienist and the trainee dental nurses.
The practice opening times are:
Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm
Saturday 9am – 1pm
Our key findings were:
- The practice appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance. These include arrangements to managed risks of COVID-19 virus in accordance with current guidelines.
- Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available and staff undertook training in basic life support.
- The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The provider demonstrated effective leadership and there was a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- The provider had good information governance arrangements.