Updated 16 September 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on Mrs Tasleem Ahmed on 27 July 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 and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- 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.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- 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.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
Mrs Tasleem Ahmed is a dental practice in the north east London Borough of Redbridge. They provide private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice has two treatment rooms. There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. There is free car parking available at the rear of the practice and on surrounding streets.
The dental team includes the principal dentist, a visiting specialist in oral surgery, five associate dentists, a locum hygienist, four qualified dental nurses and three receptionist staff. They are also supported by two locum dental nurses to cover absences and staff shortfalls. A visiting doctor is employed to carry out intravenous sedation.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, the lead dental nurse and one of the receptionists. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm.
Outside of these hours, patients are advised to contact the emergency mobile or NHS 111 for emergency care and treatment.
There was an area where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.