Updated 21 December 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 13 December 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 always ask five key questions:
- Is it safe?
- Is it effective?
- Is it caring?
- Is it responsive?
- 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 and 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 clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
Background
Mace Dental Surgery provides mostly private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice has a small contract to provide NHS treatment to children and patients who are exempt from charges.
The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs. There is level access to the practice via for people who use wheelchairs and a partially accessible toilet. Car parking is available directly outside the premises on the street. The dental team consists of 1 dentist, and 2 nurses, both of whom also act as receptionists. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the dentist, both nurses and the practice’s compliance consultant. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 6pm; Tuesdays from 1pm to 7pm, Thursdays from 9am to 11am and Fridays from 8am to 12pm. The practice also opens 1 Saturday a month from 9am to 12pm.
There were areas 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.