Updated 16 May 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 12 April 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 provider is part of a corporate group, Portman Dental Care who have multiple practices, this report is about Hawkins Dental and Implant Clinic.
Hawkins Dental and Implant Clinic is in Longbridge, Birmingham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including a dedicated parking space for disabled people, are available at the front and rear of the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 4 dentists, (including 2 specialists) 4 dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, 2 dental hygienists, 1 dental therapist, 1 practice manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 receptionist and the practice manager. A quality lead from Portman Dental Care was present during this inspection. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am to 6pm, Tuesday from 9am to 6pm and alternate Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, staff recycle general waste as appropriate, the practice have changed from the use of plastic to paper cups as requested by a patient.