Updated 4 March 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 4 February 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 ask the following three 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. However, we noted five-yearly electrical fixed wire testing had not been completed.
- The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- 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 clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and 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.
- 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.
- The provider dealt with complaints positively and efficiently.
- The provider had information governance arrangements.
Background
Kelvedon Dental Centre is in Kelvedon, Essex 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 dental team includes two dentists, one visiting implantologist, four dental nurses (who also covered the reception desk) including one trainee dental nurse, two dental hygienists and the practice manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, three dental nurses including the trainee dental nurse 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 from 9am to 5.30pm.
Tuesday from 8.15am to 5.30pm.
Wednesday from 9am to 5.30pm.
Thursday 8am to 5.30pm.
Friday from 9am to 1pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- 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 ensure the five-yearly electrical fixed wire testing is undertaken.
- Take action to ensure audits of antimicrobial prescribing are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service.