Sandy DentalCare

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 18 January 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• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies, although some life-saving equipment was not available, and some was out of date. However, the provider took immediate action to rectify this, ordering replacement equipment during our visit.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
• 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.
• 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.

Background

Sandy Dental Care provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

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

The dental team includes 12 dentists, 10 dental nurses, 2 practice managers and 3 receptionists. The practice has 6 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 receptionists 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 on Mondays to Thursdays from 8am to 5pm, and on Fridays from 8am to 1pm. It also opens on alternate Saturdays for private patients.

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

• Take action to ensure the availability of emergency equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council and implement an effective system of checks.