Updated 1 March 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 25 January 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 provider 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 asked the following questions:
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 practice appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Improvements have taken place to ensure appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and 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.
The provider had effective leadership and a culture of improvement.
Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
The provider asked staff and patients for feedback about the services they provided.
The provider dealt with complaints positively and efficiently.
The provider had information governance arrangements.
Background
Parkhouse Dental Practice is in Crediton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is one ground floor treatment room. People with limited mobility or wheelchair users can access the practice via the rear of the building, avoiding the steps to the front of the property. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.
The dental team consists of one dentist and one dental nurse.
During the inspection we spoke with the dentist and dental nurse. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
There was an area where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice protocols regarding patient dental care records to check that necessary information is recorded.