Updated 5 August 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 30 June 2022 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 adviser.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• 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 to be visibly 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 not always available.
- The practice had some systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. We noted that risks were not always managed effectively. Specifically, a satisfactory fixed wire electrical certificate was not available and rectangular collimators were not used on X-ray machines.
- 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.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
The provider has one practice and this report is about Clark Dental Studio Ltd.
Clark Dental Studio Ltd, is in Skegness in Lincolnshire and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice. The practice has made some reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.
The dental team includes seven dentists, nine dental nurses, one dental hygienist, two dental therapists, one receptionist and two practice management staff. The practice has five treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, three dental nurses, one receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's waste handling protocols to ensure waste is segregated and disposed of in compliance with the relevant regulations and taking into account the guidance issued in the Health Technical Memorandum 07-01. Specifically ensuring that clinical waste bags are marked in a way to identify the practice and clinical waste bins are secured.
- Take action to ensure the suitability of the premises and ensure all areas are fit for the purpose for which they are being used. In particular, ensuring a satisfactory fixed wire electrical safety certificate is obtained.
- 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. Specifically ensure rectangular collimators are used in all treatment rooms.