Updated 11 July 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 23 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 a specialist dental advisor.
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.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- 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.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care 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.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- 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.
- The practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
The Walpole Street Dental Practice is in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is located within a building which has steps leading to the entrance making it unsuitable for people who use wheelchairs. The practice has an arrangement with an alternative location if wheelchair users need to access the type of specialist treatment provided at this practice. 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 the principal dentist who is a specialist in oral surgery and prosthodontics, a specialist periodontist and a general dentist. There are 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, and 2 practice managers, one of whom is also a qualified dental nurse. A visiting anaesthetist attends on a regular basis to provide conscious sedation. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, 2 dental nurses, and the practice managers. We also spoke with the anaesthetist remotely. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Thursday from 8am to 5pm
Friday from 8am to 4pm
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, the practice promoted the use of recyclable toothbrushes by donating them at a local event.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements.
- Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.