Hall Farm Dental Surgery

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 16 May 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.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• Equipment was maintained to ensure its safe operation.
• We found staff to be particularly supportive and understanding of patients with mental health challenges.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
• The practice was committed to providing NHS funded dental care, given the paucity of such provision in the local area.
• 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

Hall Farm Dental Surgery provides NHS dental care and treatment for adults and children. In addition to general dentistry, the practice also offers orthodontic services.

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements including ramp access, wide doors, a ground floor treatment room and a fully accessible toilet.

The dental team includes one dentist and two part-time dental nurses.

During the inspection we spoke with the dentist and a nurse. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open on Tuesdays from 9am to 5pm, and every other Wednesday from 9am to 5pm.

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.

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

• Implement processes and systems for seeking and learning from patient feedback with a view to monitoring and improving the quality of the service.