Glenholme Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 22 June 2023 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 2 specialist dental advisors.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 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 clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance, but improvements were required.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies.
• Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available, but storage arrangements needed attention.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment, and the premises.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect.
• Improvements were needed to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
• Staff felt involved, 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

Glenholme Dental Practice is in Basingstoke, Hampshire, and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free access, via a ramp, to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 1 orthodontist, 1 oral surgeon, 1 prosthodontist, 1 periodontist, 1 implantologist, 1 endodontist, 3 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 2 dental hygiene therapists, 1 treatment coordinator, 1 patient care coordinator, a business manager and a relationship manager.

The practice has 4 treatment rooms. One was in use on the day of our visit.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, 3 dental nurses, the patient care coordinator, the treatment coordinator and the business manager.

We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

• Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm.

We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:

• Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.

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

• Take action to ensure that all clinical staff have adequate immunity for vaccine-preventable infectious diseases.