Clearsprings Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 11 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 dental clinic was visibly clean 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.
• Not all the required radiation protection information was available.
• 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.
• 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.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
• The provider confirmed that infection prevention and control audits had not been undertaken as frequently during the previous 18 months. During the inspection we were assured these would be undertaken bi-annually going forward.

Background

The provider has 16 practices and this report is about Clearsprings Dental Practice.

Clearsprings Dental Practice is in Dovercourt, Essex 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 disabled people, are available outside the practice. The practice has made some adjustments to support patients with additional needs. Including the use of a hearing loop and access to brail documents and interpreter services.

The dental team includes two dentists, four dental nurses including one trainee dental nurse, one dental hygienist, one receptionist who is also a qualified dental nurse and one practice manager. The practice has three treatment rooms.

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

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm.

The practice closes daily between 12.30pm and 13.30pm.

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

• Take action to ensure audits of infection prevention and control are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service. The practice should also ensure that, where appropriate, audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.
• 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.
• Improve and develop the practice's current performance review systems and have an effective process established for the on-going assessment and supervision of all staff.