Updated 11 August 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 25 July 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 appeared to be 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 privacy and 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 supported and worked as a team.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
Denpoint Dental Care - Rossendale is in Rawtenstall, Lancashire and provides largely private dental care and treatment for adults and children. A small amount of NHS treatment is available for children.
There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice. The practice has made some adjustments to support patients with additional needs. For example, there is ramped access to the practice, an easy access bathroom and a fully accessible treatment room on the ground floor.
The dental team includes five dentists, one of whom is trained and qualified to do orthodontic and implant treatments; nine dental nurses, one of whom is a trainee, two dental hygienists, two dental therapists, two receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has seven treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with one dentist, two dental nurses, the practice manager and the compliance manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 7.30pm and on Friday from 8am to 6pm.