Darwenside Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 27 June 2023 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 advisor.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:

• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it caring?
• Is it responsive to people’s needs?
• 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 clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures in place however some areas needed review.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• Governance in the issuing of medicines to patients required greater oversight and management.
• The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
• Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
• The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved, 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 practice had robust information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider is part of a group of 9 practices, and this report is about Darwenside Dental Practice.

Darwenside Dental Practice is in Darwen near Blackburn and provides NHS and private dental care for adults and children.

There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available at the practice and local transport links are nearby.

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 6 dentists, 10 dental nurses (8 of whom are trainees), 4 dental therapists and 2 receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has 8 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, the compliance manager, and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures, and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5.00 pm.

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

• Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols, in particular the staff use of the correct hand wash sinks and providing pedal operated clinical waste bins.
• Improve the process for ensuring all clinical staff have evidence of immunity to the Hepatitis B virus.
• Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored and dispensed of safely and securely.