Archived: Dr B K Murphy and Associates

Background

Dr B K Murphy and Associates provides primary dental care, such as treating tooth decay and gum disease to adults and children. The practice mainly provides services to NHS patients, as well as a small amount of private dentistry, to patients in the town of Rainham, near Gillingham in the Medway area of Kent.

The practice has two dental surgeries, each with a waiting area for patients, which are located on the ground and first floor of the premises. The practice also has a dedicated room for the decontamination of instruments and equipment.

The practice staff include the practice owner (principal dentist), two further dentists, a practice manager / receptionist, a dental nurse, and three trainee dental nurses / receptionists. Dental services are provided Monday to Friday from 9am until 5.20pm, with extended opening on Tuesday evenings until 7.20pm.

We talked to four patients, who told us that the practice offered an excellent service and that staff were caring, helpful and friendly and that they were always treated with dignity and respect. All commented that staff explained things well and that they felt able to ask questions about their treatments. We also received 48 comment cards from patients who had completed these prior to the inspection. All comments were positive about the practice, the treatment received and were also complimentary about the staff.

Our key findings were:

• There were effective systems to reduce the risk and spread of infection and we found that all treatment rooms and equipment appeared clean.
• Patients were involved in decisions about their care and treatment and were provided with sufficient information about the different treatment options available to them.
• We observed that staff were kind and caring, and helped patients to feel at ease.
• There were systems and processes to check that equipment had been serviced regularly, including the autoclave, x-ray equipment and the emergency medical oxygen cylinder.
• Staff were aware of safety systems and reporting procedures in line with current regulations and guidelines.
• Patients’ received regular assessments of their gum health at intervals determined by their individual needs.
• The practice ensured staff maintained the necessary skills and competencies to support the needs of patients.
• There were good communication systems amongst the practice staff, who worked as a team.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements and should:

• Review the condition of the coving around the edge of some areas of the floor in the first floor treatment room to maintain effective cleaning in the control and prevention of the spread of infection.