Archived: Finkle Hill Dental Care

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 29 March 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 was 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 available.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• 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.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• 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

Finkle Hill Dental Care is in the village of Sherburn-in-Elmet, Leeds and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is situated on the first floor of a small shopping complex. Access to the practice is via one flight of stairs; the practice information leaflet informs patients of this. People who may struggle with the stairs are directed to a more accessible local dental location. There are several car parking spaces in front of the practice or parking can be found nearby on local side roads.

The dental team includes a principal dentist and two associate dentists, a visiting specialist dentist, seven dental nurses (two of whom are trainee dental nurses), a dental hygienist and two receptionists. The team is supported by a practice manager and a business manager. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with three dentists, two dental nurses, one receptionist and both managers. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open: Monday to Thursday 8am to 6pm and Friday 8am to 2pm.

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

• Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.