Updated 21 April 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 29 March 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.
- 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 personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and worked as a team.
- 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 one practice, and this report is about Contemporary Dental.
Contemporary Dental is in Exeter and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
All treatment rooms are accessed by stairs. Therefore, the practice is not suitable for people who use wheelchairs. Enquiring patients with mobility requirements are signposted to a nearby accessible practice.
The practice has four treatment rooms, of which three are currently in use.
During the inspection we spoke with the current dental team: One dentist, two dental nurses, one dental therapist hygienist, two trainee dental nurses, one receptionist/cleaner 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 – 7.00pm
Tuesday 8.00am – 5.00pm
Wednesday 8.30am – 5.00pm
Thursday 8.30am – 5.00pm
Friday 8.30am – 2.00pm.
There was an area where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines, taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.