Aspects Dental and Referral

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 3 August 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 mostly reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and most life-saving equipment were available. Missing facemasks, a size zero airway and paediatric pads for the automated external defibrillator (AED) were ordered on the day of the inspection.
• 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 a staff recruitment policy which reflected current legislation although the practice did not always follow this. In particular, in obtaining evidence of satisfactory conduct in previous employment (references) for all dentists.
• 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.
• 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.

Background

The provider has one practice, and this report is about Aspects Dental and Referral.

Aspects Dental and Referral is in Milton Keynes and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The dental practice is on the first floor and is accessed by a set of stairs, so it is not accessible to wheelchair users. The provider signposts patients with such needs to practices nearby. There is car parking available outside the practice.

The practice has made some adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes seven dentists including a specialist orthodontist, six dental nurses including two dental nurse trainees, one dental hygienist, two receptionists and a practice manager. A medically qualified anaesthetist provides sedation. The practice has four treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with four dentists, two dental nurses, 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 Thursday from 8am to 6pm

Friday from 8am to 5.30pm

Two Saturdays per month from 8am to 1pm

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

• Improve the practice's recruitment procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff and that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice. In particular, ensuring satisfactory evidence of conduct in previous employment (references) is sought for all dentists in line with the practice’s recruitment policy.

• Implement an effective system to ensure the availability of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.

• Take action to ensure audits of infection prevention and control are undertaken at recommended intervals to improve the quality of the service. The practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.