South Cliff Dental Group - Dover

We carried out this unannounced comprehensive inspection on 16 November 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 ask the following five 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 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. Although annual training had lapsed.
• The practice did not have sufficient systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. In particular fire safety.
• 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.
• Staff did not feel wholly involved and supported and work as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently in the practice. However, complaints that went to the company head office were not always acknowledged or dealt with in a timely manner.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has 27 practices and this report is about South Cliff Dental Group - Dover

South Cliff Dental Group - Dover is in Dover and provides NHS and 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 2 dentists, 5 trainee dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists, a dental therapist, 3 receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with a dentist, 2 trainee dental nurses, 2 receptionists 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 8.30am to 5pm. The practice is closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm

Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Full details of the regulations the provider was not meeting are at the end of this report.

• Care and treatment must be provided in a safe way for service users.
• All equipment used by the service provider must be properly maintained.
• Systems or processes must be established and operated effectively to ensure compliance with the requirements of the fundamental standards as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

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

• Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the Faculty of General Dental Practice.