Cambourne Dental Clinic

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 5 January 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 provider 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 asked following questions:

• 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 practice appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• The provider had effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• The provider asked staff and patients for feedback about the services they provided.

Background

Cambourne Dental Clinic provides NHS and some 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 at the practice.

The dental team includes four dentists, six dental nurses, two dental hygienists, and a receptionist. The practice has five treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the clinical quality manager, the practice manager, two dentists, two dental nurses and reception staff. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday from 8am to 7pm

Tuesday from 8am to 7.30pm

Wednesday from 8am to 5pm

Thursday from 8am to 5pm

Friday from 7.30am to 5pm

Saturday from 8am to 3pm

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

• Implement an effective system for identifying, disposing and replenishing of out-of-date stock.

• Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the British Society of Periodontology when treating patients.