Marshgate Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 2 February 2024 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.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• 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.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff and equipment which required some improvements.

Background

Marshgate Dental Practice is in the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames and provides 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 practice is owned by 2 dentists. The dental team includes 3 associate dentists, 1 qualified dental nurse, 1 trainee dental nurse, 3 dental hygienists, 2 practice managers, one of whom is also a dental nurse and carry out reception duties and 1 receptionist. . The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 of the practice owners who is also the registered manager, 1 associate dentist, 1 dental nurse and the 2 practice managers. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm

Thursday from 8.30am to 7pm

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

• Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular with regards to the risks associated with contaminated sharps and working without chairside assistance.
• Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when prescribing antimicrobials.