Archived: Wallasey Village Dental Practice

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 19 August 2015. The practice has one principal dentist and two associate dentists. There is one hygienist, one hygiene therapists, five dental nurses, one receptionist and a practice manager. The practice provides primary dental services to private and NHS patients. The practice is open Monday to Friday 8am – 5.30pm, with a late evening on Tuesdays until 7pm.

The principal dentist is the registered provider. A registered provider is registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered providers have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the practice is run.

We viewed 10 CQC comment cards that had been left for patients to complete prior to our visit, about the services provided. All of the comment cards reflected positive comments about the staff and the services provided. Patients commented that the practice was clean and hygienic; they found the staff very friendly, courteous and professional. They had trust and confidence in the dental treatments and said explanations were clear and understandable. Emergency appointments were available on the same day and appointments usually ran on time.

The practice was providing care which was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Our key findings were:

• The practice recorded and analysed significant events and complaints and cascaded learning to staff.
• Staff had received safeguarding training and knew the processes to follow to raise any concerns.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Staff had been trained to deal with medical emergencies and emergency medicines and emergency equipment were readily available.
• Infection control procedures were in place and the practice followed published guidance.
• Patients’ care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidelines, best practice and current legislation.
• Patients received clear explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.

• The appointment system met the needs of patients and waiting times were kept to a minimum.
• The practice staff felt involved and worked as a team. Governance systems were in place.

• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements and they should ensure:

• That national patient safety and other relevant alerts and guidance is followed and actions taken recorded
• That the procedures for storage of paper records meets health and safety and fire regulations in accordance with the Department of Health's code of Practice for Records Management (NHS Code of Practice 2006) and other relevant guidance about information security and governance.