Updated 9 April 2024
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 12 March 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. Not all appropriate life-saving equipment was available, missing items were purchased immediately following this inspection.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises, although there was scope for improvement.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. Some staff required an update regarding was not bought procedures. We were informed that this would take place and new procedures and guidance would be implemented.
- 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.
- Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
- Systems were not in place to ask for feedback from staff and patients.
- Systems were in place to deal with complaints efficiently.
- The practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Old Tile House Dental Practice is in Alcester, Warwickshire 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 dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 1 dentist (the provider), 2 dental nurses (including 1 trainee dental nurse) and 1 receptionist. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the dentist (the provider), 2 dental nurses, including the trainee dental nurse and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 5pm, Wednesday from 9am to 7pm and Friday from 9am to 1pm. The practice is open by appointment only on Thursdays.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored and dispensed safely and securely.
- Implement processes and systems for seeking and learning from patient and staff feedback with a view to monitoring and improving the quality of the service.