Dental Seminars - Cavendish House

We carried out this announced comprehensive on 23 February 2023 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.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• 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.
• 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.

Background

Dental Seminars - Cavendish House provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice offers dental implant treatment as well as general dental services.

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements including ramp access and downstairs treatment rooms.

The dental team includes 5 dentists, 3 dental hygienists, 8 dental nurses, and 2 receptionists. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 1 dental nurse, and 2 receptionists. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open on Mondays from 9am to 6.30pm; on Tuesdays from 8.30am to 5.30pm; on Wednesdays from 8.15am to 5.30pm; on Thursdays from 8.30am to 5.30pm, and on Fridays from 9am to 4pm.

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

• Implement an effective system for recording, investigating and reviewing incidents or significant events with a view to preventing further occurrences and ensuring that improvements are made as a result.

• Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.

• Implement an effective recruitment procedure to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice.

• Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.