Beaconsfield Dental Practice, 54 The Maltings

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 25 July 2023 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 advisor.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 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 appeared 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 some systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. However, improvements were needed to the maintenance of equipment and audits.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The practice had staff recruitment procedures which did not always reflect current legislation.
• Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
• The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.

Background

Beaconsfield Dental Practice, 54 The Maltings is part of Dr Carol Adeloye, a dental group provider. The practice is in Gravesend and provides NHS and private dental care treatment for adults and children.

There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements. The practice is located close to local transport routes and car parking spaces are available near the practice.

The dental team includes 2 dentists, 1 qualified dental nurse, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist, 1 practice owner who is also the practice manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses, the receptionist and the practice owner. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Improve the practice's systems for checking and monitoring equipment taking into account relevant guidance and ensure that all equipment is well maintained.
• Improve the practice's recruitment policy and procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff.
• Take action to improve audits to ensure they are carried out regularly, have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.
• Implement protocols for the use of closed circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office.