Updated 5 December 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 17 November 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 always ask the following five 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 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 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.
- 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 8 practices and this report is about Horsham Gentle Dental.
Horsham Gentle Dental is in Horsham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is situated over two floors requiring stair access. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has investigated the possibility of obtaining a lift but due to the building’s listed status this is not possible. New patients are notified of access to the practice upon first contact.
The dental team includes 8 dentists, 9 trainee dental nurses, 1 qualified lead nurse and a practice manager. The practice has 7 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 trainee dental nurses, the lead nurse 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 to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement practice protocols and procedures to ensure staff are up to date with their mandatory training and their continuing professional development.
- Take action to ensure that all clinical staff have adequate immunity for vaccine preventable infectious diseases.
- Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored and dispensed of safely and securely.
- Implement a system to ensure patient referrals to other dental or health care professionals are centrally monitored to ensure they are received in a timely manner and not lost.