Affinity Dental Clinic

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 6 March 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. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available. Improvements were needed to ensure that medicines and equipment were stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and relevant guidelines.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Improvements were needed to ensure these systems were followed consistently to effectively assess and manage risks.
• 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. Improvements were needed to the induction arrangements for staff when they commenced employment at the practice.
• 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.
• Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team. Improvements were needed to the systems for monitoring staff training.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The practice had information governance arrangements.
• While some areas for improvement were needed, there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.

Background

Affinity Dental Clinic is in Basildon, Essex and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 3 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 2 dental hygienists, and 1 receptionist. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, 2 dental nurses, and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open between 9am and 5pm on Mondays to Fridays.

We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:

• Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care

Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are at the end of this report.