Updated 9 September 2022
We undertook a follow up focused inspection of Gentle Dental Care on 10 August 2022. This inspection was carried out to review in detail the actions taken by the registered provider to improve the quality of care and to confirm that the practice was now meeting legal requirements.
The inspection was led by a CQC inspector who was supported by a specialist dental adviser.
We undertook a focused announced inspection of Gentle Dental Care on 7 July 2022 under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. We found the registered provider was not providing safe, effective and well led care and was in breach of regulations 12, 17 and 18 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. We undertook immediate enforcement action and the provider`s CQC registration to carry on the regulated activities was suspended for a period of one month. You can read our report of that inspection by selecting the 'all reports' link for Gentle Dental Care dental practice on our website www.cqc.org.uk.
As part of this inspection we asked:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it well-led?
Our findings were:
Are services safe?
We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Are services effective?
We found this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Are services well-led?
We found this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Background
Gentle Dental Care is in Golders Green, in the London Borough of Barnet and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
Metered parking spaces are available near the practice and it is also located close to public transport services.
The dental team includes a principal dentist and one qualified dental nurse.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist.
The practice is open:
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm
Fridays 8.30am to 1pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken.