Archived: Sidcup Dental Surgery

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 7 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 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.
• 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

Sidcup Dental Surgery is in Sidcup in the London Borough of Bexley and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is not able to accommodate wheelchair users (a disability access audit had been undertaken) however they have information available to refer people to other local dentists which are accessible. Car parking spaces are available near the practice and local bus routes are also close by.

The dental team includes a principal dentist, four associate dentists, two hygienists, four dental nurses, two trainee dental nurses, one receptionist and one practice manager. The practice has four treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, one hygienist, one dental nurse, 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 8am to 5.30pm

Saturday 8.30am to 4.30pm