Updated 26 April 2023
We carried out this announced on 11 April 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 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 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.
- 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 felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
Background
Thrapston Dental Centre provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. It is part of Dentex Healthcare Limited who own many practices in the country. The dental team includes 1 dentist, 3 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and a practice manager. The practice has 2 treatment rooms, only one of which is in use.
There is ramp access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
During the inspection we spoke with the dentist, the practice manager, a nurse and two compliance advisers. We looked at practice policies, procedures, and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open on Mondays to Thursday from 8.30am, to 5.15pm and on Fridays from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement a system to ensure patient referrals to other dental or health care professionals are centrally monitored to ensure they are received in a timely manner and not lost.
- Increase the sample size of the radiograph and dental care records audits to ensure a more meaningful result.