Waterfall Dental Surgery

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 11 July 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. However, some improvements were required regarding the use of sharps.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has two practices and this report is about Waterfall Dental Practice

Waterfall Dental Practice is in Tooting in South London and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is not accessible to people who use wheelchairs. The practice refers people to other practices when they can’t access the practice. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The dental team includes the principal dentist, a dentists, a dental nurse, three dental nurses and a practice manager. The practice has three treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, the other dentist, a dental nurse 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 Thursday 9.00 am to 6.00 pm

Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

And Saturday 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

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

• Implement protocols for the use of closed circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office.

• Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.