Archived: Dhillons Dental Surgery

At our previous inspection we had identified that systems in place for protecting people from the risk of infection and processes for the recruitment of staff were not robust. We found that not all staff were adequately supported in their role to deliver care and treatment. The provider also did not have effective systems in place to monitor the quality of the service it provided to ensure people were not placed at risk. We judged these as having a minor impact on the people who used the service and we asked the provider to take action.

At this inspection we spoke with three members of staff including the dentist (who was also the provider) and two dental nurses. We found that the provider had made progress in addressing the actions required although we did find some areas where further action was still needed.

We found systems in place to ensure the cleanliness of the practice was maintained. However, some areas of the practice were worn and did not support effective cleaning. Appropriate hand washing facilities were also not available throughout the practice during our visit.

Recruitment processes had been reviewed to ensure suitable staff were employed at the practice. Staff had received opportunities for professional development and training so that they could maintain their skills and knowledge.

The provider had put in place systems for monitoring the quality of the service provided. These enabled issues affecting the service to be addressed.

We found that people were informed of their treatment options and their consent for treatment was obtained. One person who used the service said, “I was in pain and the dentist told me what they could do to relieve the pain.”

Dental records showed the treatment people had received and when a follow up appointment was needed.

We found that the decontamination process for dental instruments could be improved to reduce the risk of cross infection.

The staff recruitment practices were not robust to ensure that all staff were suitable to work at the practice. However, one person who used the service said, “The staff are absolutely fabulous.”

We found that not all staff had received appropriate professional training or development to ensure they had the skills and competence to care and treat people.

The practice’s quality assurance monitoring system was not effective to ensure that people were not placed at risk..