Confident Dental Care

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 12 October 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 always ask the following five questions:

• Is it safe?

• Is it effective?

• Is it caring?

• Is it responsive to people’s needs?

• 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 and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and most life-saving equipment were available. The medicine used to manage seizures was not of the recommended type and 1 child face mask with reservoir was missing. These were ordered immediately after the inspection.
• The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• 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.

Background

The provider has 1 practice, and this report is about Confident Dental Care.

Confident Dental Care is in Luton and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is a step into the practice although one treatment room is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair user. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available in a multi-story car park near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses who also work on reception, 1 dental hygienist, and 2 receptionists, 1 of whom assists with compliance. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, and the receptionist who assists with compliance. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 5pm

Thursday from 9.15am to 5pm

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

• Take action to ensure the availability of medicines and equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.

• Review the fire safety risk assessment and ensure that any actions required are complete and ongoing fire safety management is effective.