Cherry Trees Dental Practice

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 22 May 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. However, not all staff involved in the delivery of care and treatment to patients under sedation had the appropriate life support skills.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
• 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.
• 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

The provider has 1 practice, and this report is about Cherry Trees Dental Practice.

The services are provided by two individually Care Quality Commission registered providers at this location. This report only relates to the provision of general dental care provided by Kashyapa Dental Limited. An additional report is available in respect of the general dental care services which are registered under Cherry Trees Dental Practice (Dr Sushma Rao).

Cherry Trees Dental Practice is in Leighton Buzzard and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice has a small step into to the practice. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available at the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 3 dentists, 1 qualified dental nurse, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist, 1 dental therapist, and 1 receptionist. The practice has 3 treatment rooms. However, only 2 were in use.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 1 trainee dental nurse, and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 5.30pm

Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm

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

• Take action to ensure that all team members involved in the delivery of care and treatment to patients under sedation have the appropriate life support skills, taking into account the guidelines published by The Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry in the document 'Standards for Conscious Sedation in the Provision of Dental Care 2020’.