Updated 14 February 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 4 February 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 provider 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 asked the following three questions:
- 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 practice appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with emergencies.
- Appropriate life-saving medicines were available.
- Equipment to manage medical emergencies was not monitored effectively to which meant some pieces had passed their ‘expiry’ date.
- The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- Improvements were needed to ensure patient care records were completed effectively.
- Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- The provider had effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- The provider asked staff and patients for feedback about the services they provided.
- The provider dealt with complaints positively and efficiently.
- The provider had information governance arrangements.
Background
Portway Dental Practice is in Wantage 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. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available outside the practice.
The dental team includes five dentists, four dental nurses, one dental hygienist, two receptionists and the practice manager. The practice has four treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, one dental nurse, one receptionist 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 8.00am to 5.00pm
- Tuesday 8.00am to 8.00pm
- Wednesday 8.00am to 8.00pm
- Thursday 8.00am to 5.00pm
- Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm
- Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm (alternate)
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Review the practice's protocols for completion of dental care records taking into account guidance provided by the Faculty of General Dental Practice regarding clinical examinations and record keeping.
- Review availability of equipment to manage medical emergencies taking into account guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK), and the General Dental Council (GDC) standards for the dental team.