Archived: Stanhope Dental Health Centre

Updated 20 December 2016

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the practice was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

The inspection was led by a CQC inspector who was supported by a specialist dental adviser.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, a dental nurse, the practice manager and the receptionist.

To assess the quality of care provided we looked at practice policies and protocols and other records relating to the management of the service.

Updated 20 December 2016

We carried out an unannounced responsive inspection on 5 December 2016 to ask the practice the following key question; Are services safe.

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

We found that this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Background

Established over 10 years ago, Stanhope Dental Health Centre is located in a purpose-built ground floor premises within a health centre. The practice provides NHS and private treatment to patients of all ages. There is one treatment room with a decontamination area within and a waiting area. The dental reception is located within the Health centre main reception area.

Access for wheelchair users or pushchairs is possible from two ground floor entrances, both which lead into the spacious reception and waiting area. Ample car parking spaces are available at the rear of the practice.

The dental team is comprised of three dentists, four dental nurses, a dental hygienist, a dental hygiene and therapist, one receptionist and a practice manager.

The practice is open:

Monday 08:30 - 17:00

Tuesday 08:45 - 17:00

Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00

Thursday 08:45 - 15:00

A dental hygienist and dental therapist worked alternate Fridays

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual registered person. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the practice is run.

Our key findings were:

• The practice was visibly clean and uncluttered.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Infection control procedures were in accordance with the published guidelines.
• Oral health advice and treatment were provided in-line with the ‘Delivering Better Oral Health’ toolkit (DBOH).
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.
• There were clearly defined leadership roles within the practice and staff felt supported at all levels.