Updated 4 April 2024
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 20 February 2024 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. The systems to assess sharps and Legionella risks could be improved.
- 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 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 information governance arrangements.
Background
Manor House Dental Practice is in York and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements. A portable ramp is provided for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Parking for disabled people is available directly behind the practice by prior arrangement with the practice. The treatment room is located on the 1st floor of the premises and a stairlift is installed for patients with impaired mobility.
The dental team includes 1 dentist, 5 dental nurses (one of which supports the owner with administration and management duties), and 2 dental hygienists. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the dentist, 2 dental nurses and the practice administrator. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.15pm.
Friday from 8am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 4.45pm
The practice is closed on Wednesdays.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, providing a facility to recycle plastic interdental brushes.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.
- Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's Legionella risk assessment, taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices, and having regard to The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance.’