Updated 31 May 2024
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 8 May 2024 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 second CQC inspector and 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.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Not all appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- Systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises were not working effectively.
- Safeguarding processes were in place. Not all staff had completed appropriate training in safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation. Improvements could be made to the system for ensuring staff have appropriate immunity to Hepatitis B.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines. Improvements could be made to the detail recorded in dental care records.
- 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.
- Improvements are required to ensure there is effective oversight of governance arrangements.
- 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
Lance Robsons Dental Practice is in Darlington and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There are steps to access the practice. Any patients who cannot manage the steps would be signposted to a local accessible practice. Car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 3 qualified dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, a receptionist and a practice manager. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 qualified 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 to Thursday from 8.45am to 5.30pm
Friday from 8.45am to 2pm
We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:
- Ensure care and treatment is provided in a safe way to patients.
- Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.
Full details of the regulations the provider was not meeting are at the end of this report.