Tunbridge Wells Dental Centre

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 10 October 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 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

Tunbridge Wells Dental Centre is in Tunbridge Wells and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice does not offer step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Patients are asked at the first point of contact if they have any accessibility requirements. If they do; they are referred to a practice close by with level access. Car parking spaces, including parking for disabled people, are available on the practice premises by arrangement. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 2 dentists, a visiting oral surgeon, a visiting implantologist, 3 dental nurses, a business manager and a receptionist. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

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

The practice is open:

• Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 5pm
• Tuesday 9am to 7.30pm
• Friday 9am to 1pm

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example:

• A predominately digital workflow.
• An online portal for patients to manage and book their appointments, update their personal details and complete their medical histories.
• Sustainable dental products for sale to patients such as, toothpaste tablets and jars or toothpaste, biodegradable floss, refillable floss and biodegradable floss picks.
• Paper cups.
• The practice was using reusable sundry items to replace single use dappen pots, prophy rings, impression trays and recycled 3 in 1 tips. This reduces the amount of clinical waste generated.
• Suction tubes made with sugarcane.
• Micro applicators with a reusable handle for the application of dental materials during treatment, these applicator tips reduce the amount of plastic used.
• Drinking glasses for the water fountain.
• 5 out of the 7 employees walk to and from work.
• Solar panels installed.
• Heat pump for air conditioning heat rather than electrical heating.
• All clinical clothing washed on the premises rather than multiple washing cycles at home.
• solar panel installation is planned for April 2024