Updated 20 March 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 28 February 2023 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 advisor.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 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 appeared 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 some systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
- Antimicrobial prescribing audits were not undertaken.
- 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.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Thames Dental Practice is in Leigh on Sea, Essex, and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice is a training practice for both Foundation Training (FT) dentists and trainee dental nurses. The principal dentist is a dental trainer. The practice is in the process of extending its facilities to provide further training amenities for FT dentists.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 1 foundation dentist, 5 dental nurses including 2 trainee dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists and 1 practice manager. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 4 dental nurses and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. The practice closes between 1pm to 2pm daily.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.
- Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.
- Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment. In particular, ensure rectangular collimation is available in all treatment rooms.