Updated 13 November 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 11 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. Fire risks had not been assessed by a competent person.
- 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. The use of closed-circuit television should be reviewed.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- 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
CTL Dental is in Richmond, North Yorkshire and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. There are 2 pay and display car parks near the practice and dedicated parking for disabled people is available directly outside the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 2 dentists and 5 dental nurses (1 supports the provider to manage the practice and 4 are trainees). The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with both dentists and 3 dental nurses. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday and Tuesday 10:30am to 7pm
Wednesday 7:30am to 2pm
Thursday 1:30pm to 7pm
Friday 7:30am to 3pm
Saturday One per month 7:30am to 1pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to appoint a competent person(s), to carry out any of the preventive and protective measures, taking into account The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- Implement protocols for the use of closed-circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office.
- Improve the practice’s sharps procedures to ensure the practice is in compliance with the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.