Family Dental Health Centre

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 8 February 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 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 premises appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• Safeguarding processes were embedded, and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services they provided.
• Patient complaints were managed positively and efficiently.

Background

Family Dental Health Centre provides NHS dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs, although no accessible patient toilet. Car parking spaces are available just outside the practice.

The dental team includes two dentists, one dental therapist, three dental nurses, and a practice manager. The practice has two treatment rooms.

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

The practice is open on Mondays to Thursdays from 9am to 5pm; and on Fridays from 9am to 1pm.

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

• Improve the security of NHS prescription pads in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor their use.

• Review the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.

• Implement an effective system for monitoring and recording the fridge temperature to ensure that medicines and dental care products are being stored in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.

• Implement a policy in relation to Gillick competency and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities in relation to this.