Crediton Dental Care

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 5 April 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.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider, Whitecross Dental Care Limited, is a corporate provider and has a large portfolio of dental practices. This report is about Crediton Dental Care.

Crediton Dental Care is in Crediton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There are two ground floor treatment rooms and the provider has a ramp for wheelchair users to access the practice. The restrictions for people with mobility issues are signposted on the practice website. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.

The dental team includes four dentists, one dental hygienist, four dental nurses, two trainee dental nurses/receptionists, two receptionists and a practice manager/dental nurse. The practice has five treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, one dental hygienist, two dental nurses, one trainee dental nurse, one receptionist, the practice manager/nurse and the provider regulatory officer. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open: 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.