Updated 27 October 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 30 September 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 always 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 was visibly clean.
- 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
North Hill Dental is in Colchester, Essex and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. It is 1 of 2 practices in the town run by the provider.
Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available in pay and display car parks near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs and refers patients with limited mobilities to its sister practice in the town where there is level access for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs.
The dental team includes 4 dentists, 1 foundation dentist, 2 dental specialists, 7 dental nurses including 1 trainee dental nurse, 3 dental hygienists, 1 dental therapist, 2 receptionists and 1 practice manager. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 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 from 8.30am to 7pm.
Tuesday from 8am to 6pm.
Wednesday from 8am to 6pm.
Thursday from 8am to 6pm.
Friday from 8am to 5.30pm.
Saturday from 8am to 12.45pm.