Thornhill Dental Surgery

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 27 September 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

Thornhill Dental Surgery is in Dewsbury and provides NHS and 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. The practice has a large car park including dedicated parking for disabled people. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 7 dentists, 15 dental nurses (three are also treatment co-ordinators and 2 are trainee dental nurses), 1 dental hygienist, 3 dental therapists, 3 practice managers and 4 receptionists. The practice has 8 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, 2 receptionists and the 3 practice managers. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday 8am to 5.30pm

Tuesday 8am to 8.30pm

Wednesday 8am to 8.30pm

Thursday 8am to 5.30pm

Friday 8am to 5pm

Saturday 8:15am to 12.30pm (alternate weeks)

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, installing solar panels to generate additional electricity for the practice, reducing paper where possible and sourcing environmentally friendly consumables where possible.