Updated 29 March 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 8 March 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.
- Not all appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available and staff training for medical emergencies was overdue.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children, however some training was overdue for 2 staff members.
- 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.
- 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 provider has some systems in place to help them manage risks to patients and staff. We found shortfalls in appropriately assessing and mitigating risks in relation to legionella, staff recruitment and medicines management.
Background
Newmarket Dental Surgery is in Newmarket and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. Orthodontic services are also offered. It is co-owned by the 2 principal dentists.
The building is grade II listed and the practice is accessed via a flight of stairs down from street level. There is no access for wheelchairs.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 1 orthodontist, 4 dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists, 1 practice manager and 2 receptionists. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 1 orthodontist, 3 dental nurses, 2 receptionists and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open from 8.45am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm on Mondays to Thursdays and from 8.45am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm on Fridays.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure the availability of medicines in the practice and ensure staff have received training to manage medical emergencies, taking into account the guidelines issued by the British National Formulary and the General Dental Council.
- Take action to ensure that all the staff have received training, to an appropriate level, in the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
- Improve the security of NHS and private prescriptions in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor their use, as well as the improving the safe management of medicines held in the service.
- Improve the management of legionella and investigate any abnormal findings as a result of regular checks.