Updated 18 August 2021
We carried out this announced inspection on 13 July 2021 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 three 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:
Are services safe?
We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Are services effective?
We found this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Are services well-led?
We found this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Background
Mydentist – North Street- Exeter is in Exeter and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is not suitable for people with mobility restrictions due to a steep set of stairs to access the practice, which is on the first floor. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.
The dental team includes ten dentists, four dental nurses/receptionists, one receptionist, five trainee dental nurses/receptionists, one dental hygienist and a practice manager. The practice has six treatment rooms.
The practice is owned by a company and as a condition of registration must have a person registered with the CQC as the registered manager. Registered managers have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the practice is run. The registered manager at Mydentist – North Street - Exeter is the practice manager.
During the inspection we spoke with four dentists, seven dental nurses/trainee dental nurses/receptionists, the practice manager and the regulatory officer for the company. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday 8:30am – 7:15pm
Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm.
Our key 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. 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 current Covid safety management protocols.
- The provider had effective leadership.
- 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 had information governance arrangements.