Updated 18 March 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 2 March 2021 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 usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• 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 to be 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 systems in place to support good governance.
Background
The provider has two dental practices and this report is about Practice on the Hill.
Practice on the Hill Dental Practice is in Hampstead and comes under the Clinical Commissioning Group of Camden. They provide NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is located on the first floor of the building via a flight of stairs which leads from the ground floor. This means there is no level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. There is limited car parking spacing available near the practice.
The dental team includes the principal dentist, one associate, one visiting specialist implant and periodontal dentist, two dental nurses, one dental hygienist. They were supported by the practice manager who also undertakes the reception duties. The practice has three treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, one dental nurse and the practice manager/receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Outside of these hours, patients are directed to NHS 111 for emergency care and treatment.