Falmouth Dental Health Centre

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 9 June 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 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 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.
• The provider is taking steps to advertise all vacant clinical posts at the practice to improve access to dental appointments.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has a large portfolio of dental practices and this report is about Falmouth Dental Health Centre.

Falmouth Dental Health Centre is in Falmouth and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is ramp access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. There are two surgeries which are located on the ground floor.

The dental team includes one locum dentist, one dental hygienist, two dental nurses, two trainee dental nurses, two receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has seven treatment rooms (one is not in use).

During the inspection we spoke with the dentist, one dental nurse, one trainee dental nurse, one receptionist, the practice manager and the regulatory officer for Mydentist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open: Monday 9.00am – 5.30pm

Tuesday 9.00am – 6.30pm

Wednesday 9.00am – 5.00pm

Thursday 9.00am – 5.30pm

Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm.