Archived: New Lodge Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 28 October 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 ask five key questions:

• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it caring?
• Is it responsive?
• 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 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.
• 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

New Lodge Dental Surgeries is in Oxted and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including a dedicated parking space for disabled people, are available outside the practice. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 4 dentists, 1 oral surgeon, 6 dental nurses,1 student dental nurse, 3 dental hygienists, 3 receptionists and a practice manager.

The practice has 2 treatment room and shares the use of a third treatment room with another dental provider.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist and 1 dental nurse 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 8.30am to 7.00pm
• Tuesday 8.30am to 5.30pm
• Wednesday 8.30am to 5.30pm
• Thursday 8.30am to 5.30pm
• Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm
• Saturday 8.30am to 1.00pm

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's fire safety risk assessment and ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.
• Take action to ensure audits of radiography have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.

The provider accepted the shortfalls that we raised and took immediate action the day of our inspection to address these.