Updated 18 December 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 21 November 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 prevention and control procedures which mostly reflected published guidance. We identified some issues for action which were discussed with the provider.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Not all appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available. Missing items were ordered during this inspection.
- 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.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- 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.
- The practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Kenilworth Dental Practice is in Kenilworth, Warwickshire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is a small step to gain access to the front of the practice, however level access is available at the rear of the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available a short walk from the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 7 dentists, 7 dental nurses, including 3 trainee dental nurses, 3 dental hygienists, 1 treatment co-ordinator, 2 practice managers and 3 receptionists. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, 3 dental nurses, 3 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: Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5.30pm and Friday from 8.15am to 4pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices and having regard to The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance’. In particular ensure items such as cotton wool and local anaesthetic are appropriately stored in treatment rooms. Ensure staff collect sterilised items following the decontamination process using the available clean transport boxes. Ensure that staff monitor the temperature of water and use the appropriate amount of detergent during the manual cleaning process.
- Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
- Improve the security of NHS prescription pads in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor their use.