Synergy Dental Clinic

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 9 September 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 5 key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following 3 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 dental clinic appeared to be visibly clean, tidy 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.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. Improvements could be made to these systems in relation to radiographic safety, Legionella and prescription of medicines. These were actioned by the provider immediately.
• 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. We highlighted that audits could be used more effectively to address inconsistencies in record keeping.
• 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.

Background

The provider has 14 practices and this report is about Synergy Dental Clinic Bury.

Synergy Dental Clinic is in Bury and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available at the rear of the practice, with additional pay and display parking nearby. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs. These include the installation of wide doors and level entry to the rear of the premises for wheelchair users.

The dental team includes 5 dentists, 5 dental nurses including 3 trainees, a dental hygiene therapist, a practice manager and 2 receptionists. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the owner and one dentist, three dental nurses, the dental therapist, a receptionist, the area manager and a training supervisor. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

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

• Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment.

• Take action to ensure audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.