Reepham Dental Centre

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 26 September 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 five key questions:

• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it caring?
• Is it responsive?
• 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.
• 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.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Implement an effective system for monitoring and recording the fridge temperature to ensure that medicines and dental care products are being stored in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.

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

• Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.

• Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's Legionella risk assessment.

Background

Reepham Dental Centre provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The dental team includes 1 dentist, 2 hygienists, 1 dental nurse and a receptionist. The practice has two treatment rooms.

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs. There is access to the practice via a portable ramp for people who use wheelchairs and an accessible toilet.

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

The practice is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 8.30am to 5pm; on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7am to 3pm, and on Fridays from 8.30 to 1pm.