Updated 1 November 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 4 October 2022 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 adviser.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following five 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 was visibly 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.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Some issues for action identified in the fire risk assessment had not been addressed, these were reported to the facilities department on the day of inspection.
- 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. Hepatitis B risk assessments were available but had not been completed for appropriate staff.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and 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 dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
The provider has 35 practices and this report is about Oradi Dental Practice, Daventry (Together Dental).
Oradi Dental Practice is in Daventry and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is located in a listed building which has a few small steps to gain entrance. Due to the location of the practice, ramped access is not possible. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.
The dental team includes 5 dentists (including 1 specialist), 7 dental nurses (including 5 trainee nurses), 1 dental therapist, 3 receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist and the practice manager. The Head of Compliance from Together Dental was also present during this inspection. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 5.30pm and Friday from 8.00am to 4.30pm.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, the practice had a sustainability policy which included use of eco-friendly products, reducing waste, recycling and appropriate usage of electricity and gas. We were told all staff had read and worked in accordance with the policy.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the security of NHS prescription pads by ensuring there are systems in place to track and monitor their use.
- Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's fire safety risk assessment and ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.
- Improve the practice's systems for checking and monitoring equipment taking into account relevant guidance and ensure that all equipment is well maintained. In particular ensure that the surgical drill unit used when completing dental implants is serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.