The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Newcastle Dental Care

11 Ridley Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 8JQ (0191) 232 4284

Provided and run by:
Mr. Samy Solaiman

All Inspections

26 April 2022

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 26 April 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 usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:

• 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 had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
  • The dental clinic was visibly clean and well-maintained.
  • The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
  • The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
  • 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.
  • The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
  • Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Medicines and life-saving equipment were available as recommended with the exception of a couple of items that the provider obtained on the day.
  • Improvements could be made to ensure all equipment was serviced and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance; however, improvements could be made to ensure hollow dental instruments were sterilised as recommended.

Background

Newcastle Dental Care is in Newcastle Upon Tyne and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is located on the first floor and does not have step-free access. Patients requiring step-free access are referred to their sister practice locally. The practice has made some adjustments to support patients with additional needs, for example digital forms are available in large font and a hearing induction loop is available. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The dental team includes one dentist, two dental nurses, four trainee dental nurses, two dental therapists, a visiting specialist and the practice manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the dentist, two dental nurses and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Mondays to Thursdays from 9.00am to 1.00pm and from 2.00 pm to 5.30pm

Fridays from 9.00am to 3.00 pm

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

  • Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols 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’. In particular in relation to the processing of hollow dental instruments.
  • Improve the practice's systems for checking and monitoring equipment taking into account relevant guidance and ensure that all equipment is well maintained. In particular in relation to the suction motor.
  • Implement a system to ensure patient referrals to other dental or health care professionals are centrally monitored to ensure they are received in a timely manner and not lost.

26 September 2013

During a routine inspection

We found there were arrangements in place for obtaining and acting in accordance with people's consent to care and treatment. People told us treatment options were discussed with them and their consent was obtained before treatment was carried out.

We asked ten people for their views about the treatment they received. People said they were treated with courtesy and respect and dental staff were able to put them at their ease. One comment we heard was, 'I'm very happy with all aspects of care.' Another person told us, 'Easy to get an appointment.' Discussion with staff and records confirmed good self-care and health promotion advice was offered. Arrangements were in place to deal with medical emergencies.

The practice was clean, and appropriate arrangements were in place to prevent and control infections.

We checked a sample of staff records and found appropriate training had been carried out. One person commented, 'Very helpful staff.' We found that people were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard.

The provider had a clear complaints system and people told us staff listened to them and responded to their comments. People told us they were aware of how to make a complaint.