ARK Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 28 April 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.
• 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.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Improvements were however required to ensure risks associated with Legionella were adequately identified and mitigated.

Background

ARK Dental Practice is in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is located within a lower ground floor of the property and the entrance is at the bottom of a number of steps making it unsuitable for people who use wheelchairs. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to assist patients who may require help with negotiating stairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.

The dental team includes 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses and a practice manager. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, 1 dental nurse 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, Tuesday, Wednesday from 9am to 6pm

Thursday from 11am to 8pm

Alternate Saturdays from 9.30am to 5pm.

The practice is closed on Fridays

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

• Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating risks with regard to the control of Legionella in the water system.